ˈkauntɪnəns 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). øchange countenance
alter one's expression as an
effect of
emotion.
keep one's countenance
maintain composure,
esp. by refraining
from laughter. keep a person in countenance support or encourage a person.
lose countenance
become embarrassed.
out of countenance disconcerted. [ME f. AF c(o)untenance, OF contenance
bearing f. contenir: see CONTAIN]