countenance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the appearance conveyed by a person's face
    visage.
    • a pleasant countenance
    • a stern visage
  2. noun formal and explicit approval
    sanction; indorsement; endorsement; imprimatur; warrant.
    • a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement
  3. noun the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
    smiler; physiognomy; visage; mug; kisser; phiz.
  4. verb consent to, give permission
    let; allow; permit.
    • She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
    • I won't let the police search her basement
    • I cannot allow you to see your exam

WordNet

Coun"te*nance transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Countenanced present participle & verbal noun Countenancing
Definitions
  1. To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.
    This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason. Sir T. Browne.
    Error supports custom, custom countenances error. Milton.
  2. To make a show of; to pretend. Obs.
    Which to these ladies love did countenance. Spenser.

Webster 1913