1540s, "expression of respect," a variant of courtesy (q.v.). Specific meaning "a bending the knee and lowering the body as a gesture of respect" is from 1570s. Originally not exclusively feminine.
curtsy (v.)
1550s, from curtsy (n.). Related: Curtsied; curtsying.
权威例句
1. We were taught how to curtsy to the Queen.
有人教我们如何向女王行屈膝礼。
2. She gave a curtsy.
她行了个屈膝礼。
3. She swept him a curtsy.
她走过时对他行了一个屈膝礼.
4. The ballerina bobbed a curtsy ( to the audience ) before leaving the stage.
那个芭蕾舞女演员在下台之前 ( 向观众 ) 行屈膝礼.
5. His lordship gave me an indulgent look, and acknowledged my curtsy very graciously.