countenance

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1coun·te·nance

noun
\ˈkan-tən-ən(t)s, ˈkant-nən(t)s\

Definition of COUNTENANCE

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

Examples of COUNTENANCE

  1. The photograph showed his somber countenance.
  2. <a pleasant countenance that puts visitors at ease>
  3. … his white countenance was rendered eerie by the redness of the sagging lids below his eyes … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994

Origin of COUNTENANCE

Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of continēre to hold together — more at contain
First Known Use: 13th century

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