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A 'curtsey' (also spelled 'curtsy') is a traditional gesture of greeting, in which a woman bends her knees while bowing her head. It is the female equivalent of male bowing in Western cultures. The word "curtsy" is a phonological change from "courtesy" known in linguistics as syncope.
In more formal variants of the curtsey, the woman bends the knees outward (rather than straight ahead), often sweeping one foot behind her. She may also use her hands to hold her skirt out from her body.
In European cultures it is traditional for women to curtsey in front of royalty. It may then be referred to as a court curtsey and is often especially deep and elaborate.
Traditionally, women would curtsey for those of senior social rank just as men would bow. Today this practice has become less common. According to Victorian dance etiquette, a woman curtseys before beginning a dance. Further, many female domestic workers, like maids or nanny girls, are required to curtsey in front of their employers. Just like wearing a uniform, they have to do this to be polite and show respect.
Female dancers often curtsey at the end of a performance to show gratitude and/or acknowledge any applause from the audience. At the end of a ballet class, students will also curtsey or bow to the teacher and the pianist to show gratitude.
The "Texas Dip" is an extreme curtsey performed by a Texan debutante when formally introduced at the International Debutante Ball in the Waldorf-Astoria. The young women slowly lower their forehead to the floor by crossing their ankles, then bending their knees and sinking. The escort's hand is held during the dip. When they get close to the floor their head is turned down towards the gown and floor. The rising is made as an awakening.