counttenance Meaning, Definition & Usage

Count"te*nance noun

Etymology

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.

Definitions

1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.

   So spake the Son, and into terror changed His countenance. Milton.

2. The face; the features.

   In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Shak.

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

   Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance. Ps. xxi. 6.

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

4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. Obs.

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