Nearby Words

countenanced

[koun-tn-uhns] Origin

coun·te·nance

[koun-tn-uhns] noun, verb, -nanced, -nanc·ing.
noun
1.
appearance, especially 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.

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Countenanced is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
8.
out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.

Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance < Latin continentia; see continence

coun·te·nanc·er, noun
un·coun·te·nanced, adjective
un·der·coun·te·nance, noun


2. See face.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

countenance
mid-13c., from O.Fr. countenance "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 (late
EXPAND
14c.). The verb "to favor, patronize" is from 1560s, from notion of "to look upon with sanction or smiles."
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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