Stop and bow (4)
I believe the answer is:
stem
I believe this is a double definition.
'stop' is the first definition.
(I know that stem is a more specific form of the action check)
'bow' is the second definition.
(I know that bow can be written as stem)
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for stem that I've seen before include "Thin vertical part of glass or plant" , "Supporting structure" , "Staunch - stalk" , "Upward part of a plant" , "root" .)