'bow' (related to 'bowing') originates from Old English, specifically the words 'būgan' (to bend) and 'boga' (a bow, arch).

'būgan' (Old English) developed into Middle English forms such as 'bowen' (to bend) and eventually the modern verb 'bow'; separately, Old English 'boga' (a curved weapon or arch) became the modern noun 'bow'.

Initially, the roots meant 'to bend' (būgan) and 'a curved arch/weapon' (boga); over time these developed into the modern senses of bending (to bow) and the curved implement (a bow), with 'bowing' referring both to the action of bending and to actions involving a bow (e.g., bowing on a violin).