To keep the countenance
(gcide) | Countenance \Coun"te*nance\ (koun"t[-e]*nans), 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.
[1913 Webster]
So spake the Son, and into terror changed
His countenance. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. The face; the features.
[1913 Webster]
In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor,
good will, support; aid; encouragement.
[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]
4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
The election being done, he made countenance of
great discontent thereat. --Ascham.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster] |