COUNTENANCE


Meaning of COUNTENANCE in English

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

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.