n.
Pronunciation: ' kau ̇ n-t ə n- ə n(t)s, ' kau ̇ nt-n ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of contin ē re to hold together ― more at CONTAIN
Date: 13th century
1 obsolete : BEARING , DEMEANOR
2 a : calm expression b : mental composure c : LOOK , EXPRESSION
3 archaic a : ASPECT , SEMBLANCE b : PRETENSE
4 : FACE , VISAGE especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character
5 : bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction : moral support