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.

This conceit, though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason. --Sir T. Browne.

Error supports custom, custom countenances error. --Milton.

2. To make a show of; to pretend. [Obs.]

Which to these ladies love did countenance. --Spenser.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)