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. Continence. ] 1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien. [ 1913 Webster ]

So spake the Son, and into terror changed
His countenance. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The face; the features. [ 1913 Webster ]

In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance. Ps. xxi. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]

This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat. Ascham. [ 1913 Webster ]

In countenance, in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay. “It puts the learned in countenance, and gives them a place among the fashionable part of mankind.” Addison. --
Out of countenance, not bold or assured; confounded; abashed. “Their best friends were out of countenance, because they found that the imputations . . . were well grounded.” Clarendon. --
To keep the countenance, to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Countenanced 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 either by experience or reason. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

Error supports custom, custom countenances error. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make a show of; to pretend. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Which to these ladies love did countenance. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who countenances, favors, or supports. [ 1913 Webster ]