He bent his knee, that is a genuflection. A sign of allegiance.
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
Main Entry: al·le·giance Pronunciation: \ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English aligeaunce, from Anglo-French allegeance, alteration of ligeance, from lige liege Date: 14th century 1 a: the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord b (1): the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government (2): the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides 2: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
Main Entry: gen·u·flect Pronunciation: \ˈjen-yə-ˌflekt\ Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Late Latin genuflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend — more at knee Date: 1630 1 a: to bend the knee b: to touch the knee to the floor or ground especially in worship 2: to be servilely obedient or respectful