Countenance /(koun"tē̇*nans)/

Coun·te·nance

Countenance

n.
  1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.
    So spake the Son, and into terror changed His countenance.
  2. The face; the features.
    In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.
  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.
  4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]
    The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.
    — Ascham.

Phrases & Compounds
In countenance
in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay.
Out of countenance
not bold or assured; confounded; abashed.
To keep the countenance
to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion.

Countenance

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Countenanced; p. pr. & vb. n. Countenancing

  1. To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.
    This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason.
    Error supports custom, custom countenances error.
  2. To make a show of; to pretend. [Obs.]
    Which to these ladies love did countenance.