Countenance

01 n. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.

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.[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.

02 v. t. To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.

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.” — Sir T. Browne.

“Error supports custom, custom countenances error.” — Milton.
2.
To make a show of; to pretend.[Obs.]
“Which to these ladies love did countenance.” — Spenser.