COUNTENANCE


Meaning of COUNTENANCE in English

— countenancer , n.

/kown"tn euhns/ , n. , v. , countenanced, countenancing .

n.

1. appearance, esp. the look or expression of the face: a sad countenance.

2. the face; visage.

3. calm facial expression; composure.

4. approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.

5. Obs. bearing; behavior.

6. out of countenance , visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.

v.t.

7. to permit or tolerate: You should not have countenanced his rudeness.

8. to approve, support, or encourage.

[ 1250-1300; ME cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control cuntena ( u ) nce, OF contenance continentia; see CONTINENCE ]

Syn. 2. See face .

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .