[Nachum]

Not quite, combat_boots. The respectful bowing salutation is only the second and lesser definition. The first and more accepted defintion:

1. A ceremonious act of deference or obeisance, especially a low bow performed while placing the right palm on the forehead

President Bush held hands. This man kisses his ***.

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I had to look up obeisance. Not a word I use often :-)

Main Entry: obei·sance
Pronunciation: \ō-ˈbē-sən(t)s, ə-, -ˈbā-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle
English obeisaunce obedience, obeisance, from Anglo-French obeisance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey
Date: 14th century
1 : a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow
2 : acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : homage — obei·sant \-sənt\ adjective
— obei·sant·ly adverb

[combat_boots]

Nachum,

Obeisance is not only deference. Besides, making salaam is itself Arabic, culturally speaking. However, obeisance implies homage and odedience. Subjects bow to their kings.

Also from freedictionary:

o·bei·sance (-bsns, -b-)
n.
1. A gesture or movement of the body, such as a curtsy, that expresses deference or homage.
2. An attitude of deference or homage.

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[Middle English obeisaunce, from Old French obeissance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir, to obey; see obey.

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obeisance [oh-bay-sanss]
Noun
Formal
1. an attitude of respect or humble obedience
2. a bow or curtsy showing this attitude [Old French obéissant obeying]