countenance

1. 1

   Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.countableuncountable

   • 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.
2. 2

   Favour; support; encouragement.countableuncountable

   • 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; […]
3. 3

   Superficial appearance; show; pretense.countableobsoleteuncountable

   • The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.
4. 4

   Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.countableuncountable

syn. boat · complexion · countenance · chevy chase · dial · ecaf · eek · George Best · face · favor · kisser · look

1. 1

   To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.transitive

   • 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.