genuflector
Noun: A genuflector is a person who genuflects, meaning someone who bends their knee or knees, typically as a gesture of reverence, worship, or submission, especially in a religious context. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who shows excessive deference or servility to authority or tradition.
- (A person who performs the physical act of kneeling in worship.)
- (A person who shows excessive deference or submissiveness.)
"A genuflector of the old school": referring to someone who strictly adheres to traditional practices of reverence.
- The elderly monk was a genuflector of the old school, never missing a single prostration. (A person deeply devoted to traditional religious gestures.)
"A political genuflector": a person who uncritically supports or flatters a political leader or party.
- Critics accused the senator of being a political genuflector, always voting with the party line. (A person who shows unquestioning loyalty or submission.)
Genuflection (n): the act of bending the knee as a gesture of reverence.
- The genuflection was performed slowly and solemnly. (The act of kneeling in worship.)
Genuflect (v): to bend the knee as a gesture of reverence or submission.
- Worshippers genuflect before entering the pew. (They perform the kneeling gesture.)
- Kneeler: a person who kneels, especially in prayer or reverence.
- Supplicant: a person who humbly prays or requests something, often in a submissive posture.
- Toady: a person who flatters or acts obsequiously toward someone in power (metaphorical sense).
Bend the knee: to show submission or allegiance.
- He refused to bend the knee to the new ruler, so he was exiled. (He refused to show submission.)
Kiss the ring: to show deference or seek favor from someone in power.
- The ambitious courtiers were always ready to kiss the ring of the king. (They showed excessive deference.)