Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - countenance

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of continere to hold together — more at contain  Date: 13th century  1. obsolete bearing, demeanor  2.  a. calm expression  b. mental composure  c. look, expression  3. archaic  a. aspect, semblance  b. pretense  4. face, visage; especially the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character  5. bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction ; moral support  II. transitive verb  (-nanced; -nancing)  Date: 1568 to extend approval or toleration to ; sanction refused to ~ any changes in the policy  • ~r noun