countenance
1Countenance — Coun te*nance (koun t[ e]*nans), n. [OE. contenance, countenaunce, demeanor, composure, F. contenance demeanor, fr. L. continentia continence, LL. also, demeanor, fr. L. continere to hold together, repress, contain. See {Contain}, and cf.… …
2Countenance — may refer to: Human physical appearance Countenance divine, or divine countenance, a reference to the literal or metaphorical face of God Anglo Soviet invasion of Iran, called Operation Countenance, the 1941 invasion of Iran by the United Kingdom …
3countenance — ► NOUN 1) a person s face or facial expression. 2) formal support or approval. ► VERB ▪ admit as acceptable or possible. ● keep one s countenance Cf. ↑keep one s countenance ● …
4countenance — [kount′ n əns] n. [ME & OFr contenance, bearing, conduct < L continentia, lit., way one holds oneself, restraint < continere: see CONTAIN] 1. the look on a person s face that shows one s nature or feelings 2. the face; facial features;… …
5countenance — [n1] appearance, usually of the face aspect, biscuit*, cast, demeanor, expression, face, features, gills*, kisser*, look, looks, map*, mask, mien, mug*, phizog*, physiognomy, poker face*, potato*, puss*, visage; concepts 716,718 countenance [n2]… …
6Countenance — Coun te*nance (koun t? nans), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Countenanced} ( nanst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Countenancing}.] 1. To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet. [1913 Webster] This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out… …
7countenance — n *face, visage, physiognomy, mug, puss countenance vb *favor, encourage Analogous words: *approve, sanction, endorse: *commend, applaud: *support, uphold, champion, ba …
8countenance — I verb abet, accede to, accredit, acquiesce in, adjust oneself to, advocate, affirm, agree to, aid, allow, approbare, approbate, approve, approve of, assent to, assist, back, be in favor of, charter, commend, concur in, confirm, consent to,… …
9countenance — (n.) mid 13c., from O.Fr. contenance demeanor, bearing, conduct, from L. continentia restraint, abstemiousness, moderation, lit. way one contains oneself, from continentem, prp. of continere (see CONTAIN (Cf. contain)). Meaning evolving M.E. from …
10countenance — n. & v. n. 1 a the face. b the facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support. v.tr. 1 give approval to (an act etc.) (cannot countenance this breach of the rules). 2 (often foll. by in) encourage (a person or a practice). Phrases and idioms:… …
