The term BE SERVILE can be broken down into four crossword solutions: KOWTOW (6 letters), FAWN (4 letters), SLAVISH (7 letters), and SPARTACUS (9 letters). KOWTOW is a Chinese custom of kneeling and bowing to show respect or submission. Fawning is the act of behaving in an excessively eager or ingratiating manner. SLAVISH is an adjective that means servile or submissive. Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. All of these terms refer to a servile attitude, which is defined as being overly submissive or obedient.