We bow things the contrary way, to make them come to
their natural straightness. --Milton.
The whole nation bowed their necks to the worst kind
of tyranny. --Prescott.
2. To exercise powerful or controlling influence over; to
bend, figuratively; to turn; to incline.
Adversities do more bow men's minds to religion.
--Bacon.
Not to bow and bias their opinions. --Fuller.
3. To bend or incline, as the head or body, in token of
respect, gratitude, assent, homage, or condescension.
They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the
ground before him. --2 Kings ii.
15.
4. To cause to bend down; to prostrate; to depress,;? to
crush; to subdue.
Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave.
--Shak.
5. To express by bowing; as, to bow one's thanks.