countenance
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L318729 on Wikidata ↗verb
- to approve, condone
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/ / /ˈkaʊnt.nəns/ / [kæũ̯n.tɪ̆.nəns]
noun
Etymology: From Middle English contenaunce, countenaunce, from Anglo-Norman countenance and Old French contenance, from the present participle of contenir, or from Late Latin continentia, and therefore a doublet of continence.
- Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
“How Cownterfet Cowntenaunce of the new get / With Crafty Conueyauance dothe smater and flater, / And Cloked Collucyoun is brought in to clater / With Courtely Abusyoun; […]”
“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”
- Favour; support; encouragement.
“Thou hast made him[…]glad with thy countenance.”
“This is the Magiſtrate's peculiar Province, to give Countenance to Piety and Virtue, and to rebuke Vice and Prophaneneſs; […]”
- Superficial appearance; show; pretense.
“The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.”
- Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English contenaunce, countenaunce, from Anglo-Norman countenance and Old French contenance, from the present participle of contenir, or from Late Latin continentia, and therefore a doublet of continence.
- To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
“The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.”
“I won't countenance other than compunctious semblances for such a grievous blunder.”