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countenance

 - 3 dictionary results

coun⋅te⋅nance

  [koun-tn-uhns] noun, verb, -nanced, -nanc⋅ing.
Use countenance in a Sentence
–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
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To countenance
coun·te·nance   (koun'tə-nəns)   
n.  

  1. Appearance, especially the expression of the face: The question left him with a puzzled countenance.

  2. The face or facial features.

    1. A look or expression indicative of encouragement or of moral support.

    2. Support or approval.

  4. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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