Usage Note
Agenouiller is almost always used reflexively: s'agenouiller means 'to kneel down'. The non-reflexive form is rare. It is used both literally (kneeling in prayer or respect) and figuratively — s'agenouiller devant quelqu'un means 'to bow down to someone'. The noun is agenouillement.
Examples
"Il s'est agenouillé devant l'autel."
Natural Translation
He knelt before the altar.

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