Kneel is an action that involves bending one's KNEE to the ground in a sign of respect or submission. KOWTOW, GROVEL, FAWN, STOOP, BOW, GENUFLECT, and KNEE are all related terms that involve similar actions. KOWTOW is a Chinese term for kneeling and touching one's head to the ground in a sign of reverence. GROVEL is an act of humility or submission, often involving crawling on the ground. FAWN is an act of servility or flattery, usually done to gain favor. STOOP is an act of bending down, often to pick something up. BOW is an act of bending at the waist in a sign of respect or deference. GENUFLECT is an act of bending one KNEE to the ground in a sign of reverence or worship. KNEE is an act of bending one's KNEE, often as a sign of respect. HASSOCK is a low, padded cushion used for kneeling on during religious services.