Countenance — Coun te*nance (koun t[ e]*nans), 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.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Countenance — may refer to: Human physical appearance Countenance divine, or divine countenance, a reference to the literal or metaphorical face of God Anglo Soviet invasion of Iran, called Operation Countenance, the 1941 invasion of Iran by the United Kingdom … Wikipedia
countenance — ► NOUN 1) a person s face or facial expression. 2) formal support or approval. ► VERB ▪ admit as acceptable or possible. ● keep one s countenance Cf. ↑keep one s countenance ● … English terms dictionary
countenance — [kount′ n əns] n. [ME & OFr contenance, bearing, conduct < L continentia, lit., way one holds oneself, restraint < continere: see CONTAIN] 1. the look on a person s face that shows one s nature or feelings 2. the face; facial features;… … English World dictionary
countenance — [n1] appearance, usually of the face aspect, biscuit*, cast, demeanor, expression, face, features, gills*, kisser*, look, looks, map*, mask, mien, mug*, phizog*, physiognomy, poker face*, potato*, puss*, visage; concepts 716,718 countenance [n2]… … New thesaurus
countenance — n *face, visage, physiognomy, mug, puss countenance vb *favor, encourage Analogous words: *approve, sanction, endorse: *commend, applaud: *support, uphold, champion, ba … New Dictionary of Synonyms
countenance — I verb abet, accede to, accredit, acquiesce in, adjust oneself to, advocate, affirm, agree to, aid, allow, approbare, approbate, approve, approve of, assent to, assist, back, be in favor of, charter, commend, concur in, confirm, consent to,… … Law dictionary
countenance — (n.) mid 13c., from O.Fr. contenance demeanor, bearing, conduct, from L. continentia restraint, abstemiousness, moderation, lit. way one contains oneself, from continentem, prp. of continere (see CONTAIN (Cf. contain)). Meaning evolving M.E. from … Etymology dictionary
countenance — n. & v. n. 1 a the face. b the facial expression. 2 composure. 3 moral support. v.tr. 1 give approval to (an act etc.) (cannot countenance this breach of the rules). 2 (often foll. by in) encourage (a person or a practice). Phrases and idioms:… … Useful english dictionary
countenance — [[t]ka͟ʊntɪnəns[/t]] countenances, countenancing, countenanced 1) VERB: usu with brd neg If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen. [FORMAL] [V n] Jake would not countenance Janis s… … English dictionary
