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5 dictionary results for: countenance

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

coun·te·nance

[koun-tn-uh

ns] Pronunciation Key noun, verb, -nanced, -nanc·ing.

–noun

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.	Obsolete. bearing; behavior.

–verb (used with object)

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

7.	to approve, support, or encourage.

—Idiom

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

[Origin: 1250–1300; ME cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < AF cuntena(u)nce, OF contenance < L continentia; see continence

]

—Related forms

coun·te·nanc·er, noun

—Synonyms 2. See face.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

coun·te·nance (koun'tə-nəns) Pronunciation Key
n.

Appearance, especially the expression of the face: The question left him with a puzzled countenance.
The face or facial features.
1. A look or expression indicative of encouragement or of moral support.
2. Support or approval.
Obsolete Bearing; demeanor.

tr.v. coun·te·nanced, coun·te·nanc·ing, coun·te·nanc·es
To give sanction or support to; tolerate or approve: The college administration will not countenance cheating.

[Middle English contenaunce, from Old French, from contenir, to behave; see contain.]

coun'te·nanc·er n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
countenance

c.1250, from O.Fr. "demeanor, bearing, conduct," from L. continentia "restraint," lit. "way one contains oneself," from continere (see contain). Meaning evolving M.E. from "appearance" to "facial expression betraying a state of mind," to "face" itself (1393). The verb "to favor, patronize" is from 1568, from notion of "to look upon with sanction or smiles."

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

countenance
noun
1.	the appearance conveyed by a person's face; "a pleasant countenance"; "a stern visage"
2.	formal and explicit approval; "a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement" [syn: sanction]
3.	the human face ('kisser' and 'smiler' and 'mug' are informal terms for 'face' and 'phiz' is British)
verb
1.	consent to, give permission; "She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband"; "I won't let the police search her basement"; "I cannot allow you to see your exam" [syn: permit] [ant: disallow]