Bowed

Past tense of bow, meaning to bend forward as a gesture of respect or submission, or curved/bent in shape. Having a curved or arched form.

From Old English 'bugan' meaning 'to bend', related to 'bow' (the weapon) from the same root. The pronunciation varies: /boʊd/ for the past tense of bowing in respect, /baʊd/ for the curved shape. Both senses developed from the fundamental concept of bending or curving.