from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Countenance \Coun"te*nance\ (koun"t?-nans), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Countenanced} (-nanst); p. pr. & vb. n. {Countenancing}.]
1. To encourage; to favor; to approve; to aid; to abet.
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This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is
not made out either by experience or reason. --Sir
T. Browne.
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Error supports custom, custom countenances error.
--Milton.
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2. To make a show of; to pretend. [Obs.]
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Which to these ladies love did countenance.
--Spenser.
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