[f. BOW v.1 9.]
An inclination of the body or head in salutation and in token of respect, reverence, submission, etc.; an obeisance. To make one’s bow: to retire, leave the stage.
a. 1656. Cowley, Liberty, Wks. 1710, II. 686. That I do you with humble Bows … adore.
1710. Steele, Tatler, No. 16, ¶ 2. Making Bows till his Buttons touch’d the Ground.
1766. [C. Anstey], Bath Guide, xi. 156. Shewing them how … to make a good Bow.
1769. Junius Lett., xxxv. 164. She received him … with bows, and smiles.
1863. Geo. Eliot, Romola, I. vi. She returned Tito’s bow.
1791. Dk. Leeds, Polit. Mem. (1884), 156. In which case I should think myself obliged to make my bow.
1875. J. Thomson, Life W. Thomson, ix. 133. The old farmer … is making his bow—passing off the stage never again to return.
¶ Cf. also phrases under BOW sb.1 4 d.
