Etymology

Noun

1. In feudalism, the formal oath of a vassal to honor his or her lord's rights.
   • 1593: William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona

     We'll do thee homage, and be rul'd by thee,
     Love thee as our commander and our king.

2. A demonstration of respect, such as towards an individual after their retirement or death
   • 1792: Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Women

     When a man squeezes the hand of a pretty woman, ... she will consider such an impertinent freedom in the light of an insult, if she have any true delicacy, instead of being flattered by this unmeaning homage to beauty.

   • 2006: New York Times

     It’s appropriate that we pay homage to them and the sacrifices they made.

3. An artistic work imitating another in a flattering style
   • 2002: Dawson's Creek (TV, episode 6.01)

     He likes to tell people that it's a Hitchcockian thriller, but that's kind of like saying Happy Gilmore is a homage to Woody Allen.