n. & v.
n. 1 a the face. b the facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support.
v.tr. 1 give approval to (an act etc.) (cannot countenance this breach of the rules). 2 (often foll. by in) encourage (a person or a practice). change countenance alter one's expression as an effect of emotion. keep one's countenance maintain composure, esp. by refraining from laughter. keep a person in countenance support or encourage a person. lose countenance become embarrassed. out of countenance disconcerted.
[ ME f. AF c(o)untenance, OF contenance bearing f. contenir: see CONTAIN ]