Ч-55

БИТЬ (УДАРИТЬ/УДАРИТЬ) ЧЕЛОМ obs, now used in stylized speech VP subj: human

1. - (кому) to bow respectfully when greeting s.o. (often as a sign of deference, subordination)

X бил челом Y-y = X bowed low to Y

X bowed humbly before Y.

2. - кому to request sth. respectfully and deferentially

X бил челом Y-y - X humbly implored (begged) Y

X asked Y most humbly X made (a) humble petition to Y.

(Хлестаков:) А что вы, любезные? (Купцы:) Челом бьем вашей милости. (Хлестаков:) А что вам угодно? (Гоголь 4). (Kh.:) What is it, my good fellows? (Merchants:) We make humble petition to Your Grace. (Kh.:) Well, and what do you want? (4b).

3. \Ч-55\Ч-55 (кому) на кого to complain to s.o. (in a position of authority) about another person's wrongdoings

X челом бил Y-y на Z-a = X made humble petition to Y against Z

X lodged a complaint (to Y) against Z.

(Хлестаков:) Что тебе нужно? (Слесарша:) ...На городничего челом бью! (Гоголь 4). (Kh.:) What do you want? (Locksmith's wife:) ...I make humble petition to you against the Prefect! (4b).

(Скотинин:) Сколько меня соседи ни обижали, сколько убытку ни делали, я ни на кого не бил челом... (Фонвизин 1). (S.:) No matter how much my neighbors have offended me, no matter how many losses they've caused me, I've not lodged a complaint against anyone... (1a).

4. - кому за что to express profound gratitude

X бил челом Y-y X bowed low (bowed down) to Y in gratitude

X offered Y humble thanks.