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. Continence. ]
So spake the Son, and into terror changed
His countenance. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance. Ps. xxi. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]
This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]
The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat. Ascham. [ 1913 Webster ]
In countenance,
Out of countenance,
To keep the countenance,
v. t.
This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]
Error supports custom, custom countenances error. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Which to these ladies love did countenance. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who countenances, favors, or supports. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
How would one look from his majestic brow . . .
Discountenance her despised! Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
The hermit was somewhat discountenanced by this observation. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]
A town meeting was convened to discountenance riot. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Unfavorable aspect; unfriendly regard; cold treatment; disapprobation; whatever tends to check or discourage. [ 1913 Webster ]
He thought a little discountenance on those persons would suppress that spirit. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who discountenances; one who disfavors. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]