/
ˈkaʊnt(ə)nəns,
-tɪn-/
n.
- a person's face or facial expression.
- formal support or approval.
v.
admit as acceptable or possible.
Phrase
- keep one's countenance
maintain one's composure. - out of countenance
disconcerted or unpleasantly surprised.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. contenance ‘bearing, behaviour’, from contenir (see contain).