I. ˈkau̇nt( ə )nən(t)s, -tən- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English countenaunce, from Middle French contenance behavior, demeanor, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, continence, restraint, from continent-, continens (present participle of continēre to hold together, restrain, contain) + -ia -y — more at contain
1. obsolete
a. : bearing , demeanor
b. : behavior , comportment
c. : bearing or behavior as indicative of goodwill or ill will
2.
a. : calm expression : facial expression indicating composure
he kept his countenance so well that he had the air of having made a finished speech — G.B.Shaw
also : mental composure
startled and also somewhat out of countenance — Arnold Bennett
b. : the expressive appearance of one's face : look , expression
a countenance which expressed both good humor and intelligence — Sir Walter Scott
3. archaic
a. : aspect , semblance
b.
(1) : a mere appearance or show
(2) : a feigned or assumed appearance : pretense
4. : face , visage ; especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character
good-looking and gentlemanlike, he had a pleasant countenance — Jane Austen
5. archaic : the appearances that one maintains : standing , dignity
6.
a. obsolete : credit , esteem
b. : appearance of favor : bearing or expression appearing or calculated to approve or encourage : sanction : moral support : goodwill
his having had no support or countenance in accepted tradition — F.R.Leavis
give the hussy no countenance — S.E.Morison & H.S.Commager
c. obsolete : confidence arising from favor and encouragement : trust
Synonyms: see face
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French contenancer, from contenance, n.
: to give countenance to : extend approval or toleration to : encourage , sanction , support , favor , condone
asked his family to countenance her
although militant, he never countenanced violence
Synonyms: see favor