Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COUN'TE-NANCE, n. [Fr. contenance, from contenant, containing, from contenir, to contain, L. contineo; con and teneo, to hold.]

1. Literally, the contents of a body; the outline and extent which constitutes the whole figure or external appearance. Appropriately, the human face; the whole form of the face, or system of features; visage. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. – Prov. xv. Be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance. – Matth. vi.
2. Air; look; aspect; appearance of the face; as in the phrase, to change or alter the countenance.
3. The face or look of a beast; as, a horse of a good countenance.
4. Favor; good will; kindness. Thou hast made him glad with thy countenance. – Ps. xxi. Hence in Scriptural language, the light of God's countenance is his smiles or favorable regards, his favor and grace; and to hide his face or countenance is to manifest his displeasure, and withdraw his gracious aids. So the rebuke of his countenance indicates his anger and frowns. – Ps. lxxx. This application of face or countenance, which seems to be of high antiquity, proceeded probably from the practice of turning away the face to express anger, displeasure and refusal; a practice still common, but probably universal among rude nations. The opposite conduct would of course express favor. The grant of a petition is accompanied with a look directed to the petitioner; the refusal or denial, with an averted face. Hence,
5. Support; aid; patronage; encouragement; favor in promoting and maintaining a person or cause. Let religion enjoin the countenance of the laws. Give no countenance to violations of moral duty. It is the province of the magistrate, to give countenance to piety and virtue. – Atterbury.
6. Show; resemblance; superficial appearance. The election being done, he made countenance of great content thereat. – Ascham.
7. In law, credit or estimation. – Cowel. To keep the countenance, is to preserve a calm, composed or natural look, unruffled by passion; to refrain from expressing laughter, joy, anger, or other passion, by an unchanged countenance. In countenance, in favor; in estimation. If the profession of religion were in countenance among men of distinction, it would have a happy effect on society. To keep in countenance, to give assurance or courage to; to support; to aid by favor; to prevent from shame or dismay. To put in countenance, to give assurance; to encourage; or to bring into favor; to support. Out of countenance, confounded; abashed; with the countenance cast down; not bold or assured. To put out of countenance, to cause the countenance to fall; to abash; to intimidate; to disconcert.