Chinese Dictionary

Usage of the character 揖

to greet by raising clasped hands

to bow with hands held in front

Zhang Yi (c. 3rd century), literary figure from Wei of the Three Kingdoms, other name 稚讓／稚让 ( Zhìràng), named as compiler of earliest extant Chinese encyclopedia 廣雅／广雅 ( Guǎngyǎ) and several lost works

to bow deeply, starting upright with arms straight out in front, one hand cupped in the other, then moving the hands down to one's knees as one bows, keeping the arms straight (a form of greeting)

dǎgǒngzuòyī

to bow respectfully with clasped hands
to beg humbly

kāiményīdào

leaving the door open invites the thief (idiom); to invite disaster by giving evildoers a free hand

to bow around with hands joined (to people on all sides)

dǎgōngzuòyī

to bow respectfully with clasped hands
to beg humbly