GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Countenance , 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.]
    Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.
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   So spake the Son, and into terror changed
   His countenance.
   Milton.
   
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   The face; the features.
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   In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.
   Shak.
   
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   Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement.
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   Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance.
   Ps. xxi. 6.
   
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   This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice.
   Atterbury.
   
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   Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]
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   The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.
   Ascham.
   
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   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.
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2.       
   Countenance , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countenanced ; p. pr. & vb. n. Countenancing.]
   To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.
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   This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason.
   Sir T. Browne.
   
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   Error supports custom, custom countenances error.
   Milton.
   
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   To make a show of; to pretend. [Obs.]
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   Which to these ladies love did countenance.
   Spenser.
   
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