Countenance

Definition of Countenance

Coun´te`nance   Pronunciation: koun´t?-nans
n.1.Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.
So spake the Son, and into terror changed
His countenance.
- Milton.
2.The face; the features.
In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.
- Shak.
3.Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement.
Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance.
- Ps. xxi. 6.
This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice.
- Atterbury.
4.Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.
- Ascham.
In countenance
in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay.
Out of countenance
not bold or assured; confounded; abashed.
- Addison.
To keep the countenance
to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion.
- Clarendon.
v. t.1.To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.
[imp. & p. p. Countenanced (-nanst); p. pr. & vb. n. Countenancing.]
This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason.
- Sir T. Browne.
Error supports custom, custom countenances error.
- Milton.
2.To make a show of; to pretend.
Which to these ladies love did countenance.
- Spenser.

Related Words

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