kowtown.[Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as Kotow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.(S. W. Williams.)v. i. To perform the kowtow. Same as Kotow()I have salaamed and kowtowed to him. (H. James.)