Obeisant: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from the Old French word 'obeissant', meaning 'to obey'.
• Roots trace back to the Latin 'obedire', which combines 'ob-' (to) and 'audire' (to hear), highlighting the importance of listening to authority.

History

• In feudal societies, subjects would often adopt an obeisant posture to show loyalty to their lords.
• Historical documents from the Renaissance period reveal formal practices of obeisance during court ceremonies.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, bowing is a traditional form of obeisance, such as in Japan, where bowing reflects social hierarchy.
• Obeisance is seen in various religions, where devotees express respect through physical gestures like prostration or kneeling.

Literature

• The term often appears in literary works to describe characters showing respect or submission, especially in historical or fantasy genres.
• In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently exhibit obeisance as a way to demonstrate fealty to kings or figures of authority.

Psychology

• Psychological studies show that the act of physically bowing or kneeling can actually strengthen feelings of respect and submission.
• Obedient behavior can be encouraged by social norms, which dictate respectful actions towards authority figures.