Definitions of bow:

• noun:   a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments
• noun:   a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands, used in playing certain stringed instrument
• noun:   curved piece of resilient wood with taut cord to propel arrows
• noun:   front part of a vessel or aircraft

  Example: "He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line"

• noun:   a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
• noun:   a decorative interlacing of ribbons
• noun:   an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
• noun:   bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame
• noun:   something curved in shape
• verb:   bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting

  Example: "He bowed before the King"

• verb:   bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head

  Example: "He bowed before the King"

• verb:   play on a string instrument
• verb:   submit or yield to another's wish or opinion

  Example: "The government bowed to the military pressure"

• verb:   bend one's back forward from the waist on down

  Example: "She bowed before the Queen"

• name:  A surname (rare: 1 in 100000 families; popularity rank in the U.S.: #9466)