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).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: ME f. AF c(o)untenance, OF contenance bearing f. contenir: see CONTAIN