Countenance (kount&euptack_;n&aitalic_;ns), 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.] 1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.
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So spake the Son, and into terror changed
His countenance. Milton.
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2. The face; the features.
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In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. Shak.
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3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement.
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Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance. Ps. xxi. 6.
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This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice. Atterbury.
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4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]
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The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat. Ascham.
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In countenance, in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay. “It puts the learned in countenance, and gives them a place among the fashionable part of mankind.” Addison. -- Out of countenance, not bold or assured; confounded; abashed. “Their best friends were out of countenance, because they found that the imputations . . . were well grounded.” Clarendon. -- To keep the countenance, to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion. Swift.
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