<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to bend the knee or body or incline the head, as in reverence, submission, salutation, recognition, or acknowledgment</li><li>to yield; submit: to bow to the inevitable</li><li>(used with object) to bend or incline (the knee, body, or head) in worship, submission, respect, civility, agreement, etc.: He bowed his head to the crowd</li><li>to cause to submit; subdue; crush</li><li>to cause to stoop or incline: Age had bowed his head</li><li>to express by a bow: to bow one's thanks</li><li>to usher (someone) with a bow (usually followed by in, out, etc.): They were bowed in by the footman</li><li>to cause to bend; make curved or crooked</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an inclination of the head or body in salutation, assent, thanks, reverence, respect, submission, etc.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to resign a position or withdraw from a job, competition, obligation, etc.: He bowed out after two terms as governor</li></ul>