Definition
To show deference or obsequious respect.
Origins
From a traditional gesture of respect to the higher classes, pulling down one’s front piece of hair or cap in a mock bow.
In Context
- "These students were quite capable of tugging their forelocks while raising two fingers behind their backs (Newby, 1977), i.e. producing deferential behaviour as part of a more complicated game of manipulation."
- ""Aw, lay off, will you? It's part of my job, you know that." "Yeah, bowing and scraping and tugging your forelock to all those rich old crones. Somebody's chauffeur probably got a scratch on the El Dorado, huh?""