Look humble, not stern (3)

I believe the answer is:

bow

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'stern' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bow that I've seen before include "Genuflect" , "Bend in reverence or submission" , "Incline respectfully; a weapon" , "Part of London" , "Front - show reverence" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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