countenancen.1
/ˈkaʊntɪnəns/ I. Senses relating to general demeanour or appearance.† 1. † b. to make (a) countenance (see also senses 2d, 3, 7): to assume or have a certain demeanour or attitude; to comport oneself. Obsolete.† 2. † b. Mere appearance or show; feigned or assumed appearance, pretence. Obsolete.† c. for (a) countenance: for a show or pretence, for appearance sake. Obsolete.† d. to make (a) countenance: to make a show (real or feigned) of any action, feeling, or intention. Also to set a countenance. Obsolete.† e. ship of countenance n. ?† 3. A sign, gesture. to make a countenance: to make a sign, intimate by sign or gesture. Obsolete.
a. Bearing, demeanour, comportment; behaviour, conduct; sometimes spec. behaviour of two persons towards each other. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > [noun] > demeanour or bearing
i-bereOE
i-letelOE
lundc1175
semblanta1240
countenancec1290
fare1297
porturec1300
bearinga1325
portc1330
abearc1350
demeaning14..
habit1413
apporta1423
havingsa1425
maintenance?c1436
demeanc1450
maintain?1473
deport1474
maintaining1477
demeanance1486
affair1487
containing1487
behaviour1490
representation1490
haviour?1504
demeanour1509
miena1522
function1578
amenance1590
comportance1590
portance1590
purport1590
manage1593
style1596
dispose1601
deportments1603
comportment1605
garb1605
aira1616
deportment1638
comport1660
tour1702
sway1753
disport1761
maintien1814
tenue1828
portment1833
allure1841
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. 113/245 Al-to nobleie of þe worlde his continaunce he brouȝte.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 259 Of uayre contenonce to-uore alle men.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4900 With clipping & kessing and contenaunce hende.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur vii. xxi They had goodely langage & louely countenaunce to gyder..Fair syster I haue wel aspyed your countenaunce betwixe you and this knyght.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) ix. 273 Fell neuir men so foull myschans Eftir so sturdy cuntyrnans [1489 Adv. contenance].
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. OOOviv Whan we be dissolute in herte, and lyght in countenaunce.
1678 A. Lovell tr. La Fontaine Mil. Duties Cavalry 120 The General by his Scouts shall inform himself of the Enemies Countenance.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 114 The Spaniard Governor order'd two Muskets to be fir'd..that by their Countenance he might know what to expect.. This Stratagem took; for..they started up..and..ran skreaming..away.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave, conduct, or bear oneself [verb (intransitive)] > behave or make as though
to find one's countenanceOE
to make (a) countenancec1380
to play one's pageanta1425
to play (also act) a (also one's) part1540
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 5747 Wan þe Amerel haþ iherd hym telle, Contenance made he fers & felle.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 45 For the good countenaunces that he made, he was moche wel byloued.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cxxix. 473 The admyral..wold not issue out..tyll he sawe what countenaunce the chrysten men wolde make.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. lxxvii. 98 To regarde..her great beauty, and the gracyous wordes and countenaunce that she made.
a. Appearance, aspect, look (obsolete except as transferred from sense 4); also, a show or semblance of anything.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun]
onseneeOE
bleea1000
shapeOE
ylikeOE
laitc1175
semblanta1225
sightc1275
fare1297
showingc1300
specea1325
parelc1330
guise1340
countenance1362
semblance?a1366
apparel1377
regardc1380
apparencec1384
imagec1384
spicec1384
overseeminga1398
kenninga1400
seemingc1400
visage1422
rinda1450
semenauntc1450
'pearance1456
outwardc1475
representation1489
favour?a1500
figurea1522
assemblant1523
prospect?1533
respect1535
visure1545
perceiverance1546
outwardshine1549
view1556
species1559
utter-shape1566
look1567
physiognomy1567
face1572
paintry1573
visor1575
mienc1586
superficies?1589
behaviour1590
aspect1594
complexion1597
confrontment1604
show1604
aira1616
beseeminga1616
formality1615
resemblancea1616
blush1620
upcomea1630
presentment1637
scheme1655
sensation1662
visibility1669
plumage1707
facies1727
remark1748
extrinsica1797
exterior1801
showance1820
the cut of one's jib1823
personnel1839
personal appearance1842
what-like1853
look-see1898
outwall1933
visuality1938
prosopon1947
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > seeming
semblant?c1225
coloura1325
countenance1362
appearancec1386
seemc1440
fair seeming1484
resemblant1485
seeming1576
apparition1613
semblancea1616
imposture1643
verisimile1652
seemingness1656
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. Prol. 24 In cuntinaunce of cloþinge queinteliche degyset.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 792 Ful clene watz þe countenaunce of her cler yȝen.
1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton C iv b The draper helde the countenaunce of a drunken man.
1565 J. Jewel Replie Hardinges Answeare iii. 181 To amaze ye ignorant Reader with a countenance of great learninge.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. i. 35 I beleeue a meanes to cosen some bodie in this Citie vnder my countenance.
1639 Howell in W. B. Scoones Four Cent. Eng. Lett. 77 The countenance of the weather invited me.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 19 These Authors did not espouse this Opinion..without some countenance of probability.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 38 I..knew the very Countenance of the Place.
1837 H. Hallam Introd. Lit. Europe I. i. 33 The countenance of nature.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > mere appearance
shroudc1175
frontc1374
appearancec1384
countenance?c1425
fard1540
show1547
habit1549
outside1578
glimpse1579
superficies?1589
species1598
out-term1602
paint1608
surface1613
superfice1615
umbrage1639
superficials1652
semblance1843
outer womana1845
outward man1846
patina1957
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [noun]
hue971
glozea1300
showingc1300
coloura1325
illusionc1340
frontc1374
simulationc1380
visage1390
cheera1393
sign?a1425
countenance?c1425
study?c1430
cloak1526
false colour1531
visure1531
face1542
masquery?1544
show1547
gloss1548
glass1552
affectation1561
colourableness1571
fashion1571
personage?1571
ostentation1607
disguise1632
lustrementa1641
grimace1655
varnish1662
masquerade1674
guisea1677
whitewash1730
varnish1743
maya1789
vraisemblance1802
Japan1856
veneering1865
veneer1868
affectedness1873
candy coating1885
simulance1885
window dressing1903
?c1425 (c1390) G. Chaucer Fortune 34 I haue thee taught diuisioun bitwene Frend of effect and frend of countenaunce.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. clxxvi. f. ciiv The sayde Godfrey to dyssayue ye Frenshemen shewed outwarde countenaunce [printed countenanuce] to be a Cristen man.
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 449/1 Let vs learn..to absteine from al talke, and all countenances.
1613–18 S. Daniel Coll. Hist. Eng. (1626) 191 They passed the day in Countenances, and nothing was done.
1727 J. Swift Let. to very Young Lady in Misc. II. 321 Their whole Demeanor, before they got a Husband, was all but a Countenance and Constraint upon their Nature.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > for show or appearance [phrase]
for (a) countenancec1386
for show1563
for the look of the thing1753
c1386 G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Prol. & Tale 711 And for a countenaunce in his hond bar An holow stikke.
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 255 I hadde in custom to come to scole late, Nat for to lerne but for a contenaunce.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clj Although she [sc. the Queen] ioyned her husbande with hir in name, for a countenaunce, yet she did all, she saied all, and she bare the whole swynge.
1606 Bp. J. Hall Medit. & Vowes III. §21 God hath many retainers that weare his Liuery, for a countenance.
1702 R. L'Estrange tr. Josephus Jewish Antiq. ii. vi, in Wks. 36 Joseph..for a Countenance..Charged them as Spyes.
1878 R. Simpson School of Shakspere I. 34 That Florida was for countenance, to hide the reality of authorized buccaneering.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)] > make specific appearance
to make semblantc1230
showc1405
to make (a) countenance1470
countenance1486
to make semblancea1500
semble1542
to give a visage1549
to make resemblance1566
to set a countenance1600
figure1762
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur viii. xxxii He..made countenaunce as though he wold haue stryken hym.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 482 Bot quhat pite yat euer he had Na contenance yaroff he maid.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxcvijv He made a countenance to assayle his aduersarie.
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 54v But, the election being done, he made countinance of great discontentation thereat.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxi. lxiii. 429 He set a countenance..as though hee would take a journey like a private person.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. x. §11. 122 These Nations joyned together, and..made countenance of warre.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. ii. 31 I made a Countenance as if I would eat him alive.
ΚΠ
1569 G. Campion in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1599) II. i. 116 Touching the ship that must go, she must obserue this order, she must be a ship of countenance, and she must not touch in any part of Spaine.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. xviii. 215 He went to Surat Road, in the Royal James and Mary, with three or four other Ships of Countenance, to try if he could bully the Governor, and frighten the Merchants.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > make gestures [verb (intransitive)]
beckonc950
becka1300
wevec1325
playc1330
to make a countenancea1375
signc1520
token1535
gesture1542
starkle?1544
scrawl1582
gesticulate1609
annuate1623
to make a motion1719
wink1738
motion1788
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > [noun] > a gesture
sign?c1225
abearc1350
countenancea1375
becka1382
motiona1398
signaclea1450
beckona1718
motioning1843
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1401 Priueli..sche praide william þanne, to seche softily to hire chaumber..& he bi quinte contenance to come he granted, for he ne durst openly.
c1386 G. Chaucer Melibeus ⁋71 Vp roos tho oon..and with his hand made contenaunce that men sholde holden hem stille.
1461–83 Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 375 If hee doe call them or doe make any countenance to them.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 375 The king made them a countenaunce to come nere.
4.
a. The look or expression of a person's face.In early use often not easily distinguished from senses 1, 2, and in later use difficult to separate from sense 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > facial appearance or expression
cheerc1225
lookinga1325
countenancec1330
frontc1374
looka1400
looksc1400
aspect1590
brow1598
cast1653
mien1680
expression1830
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > [noun]
anlethOE
cheerc1225
countenancec1330
facec1330
visage1338
frontc1374
vult?a1400
maid facec1450
walte1524
facies1565
museau1816
shade1817
coupon1962
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 183 Þo Normans were sorie, of contenance gan blaken.
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 394 Þan him ansuerede Olyuer wyþ sterne contynaunce.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 2098 He shewed ay countenance gladd.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clxxxiij Imploring mercy..both with holding vp his handes and making dolorous countenance.
1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Eiijv They haue greye or blewe eyes, and are of cruell countenaunce.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear iv. 26 Kent. You haue that in your countenance, which I would faine call Maister. Lear. Whats that? Kent. Authoritie. View more context for this quotation
1770 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxvi. 70 Their countenances speak a different language.
1859 tr. Bengel's Gnomon I. 313 A man's countenance varies; his face is always the same.
1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost ii. 51 God made your features, but you made your countenance.
b. to keep one's countenance: to preserve composure, refrain from expressing emotion; now esp. to refrain from laughing or smiling. So (here, or under 6) his countenance fell: i.e. he showed disappointment or dejection. to change countenance: see change v. Phrases 1a(b)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > maintain self-control [verb (intransitive)]
to keep one's countenance1470
to get above ——1603
to keep one's head1717
keep your shirt on1844
to keep one's hair on1883
to keep one's wool1890
not to bat an eye, eyelid1904
to keep one's pants on1928
to play it cool1955
to keep (also blow, lose) one's cool1964
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > melancholy > seriousness or solemnity > be serious or solemn [verb (intransitive)] > refrain from laughing
to keep one's countenance1470
to keep a straight face1953
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur iv. xiv She kepte her countenaunce and maade no semblaunt of sorowe.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 386 To this the king with chaunged countenaunce aunswered.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 834 Sitting like an image without moouing, and with great state and majestie keeping his countenance, dained not to giue them one of his lookes.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. iv. 5 Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. View more context for this quotation
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 211 It was as much as I could do to keep my Countenance at the Figure he made.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 373 Courtiers and envoys kept their countenances as well as they could while the renegade protested that..his conscience would not let him rest, etc.
1878 J. Morley Diderot I. 133 When he was told that the work must positively be brought to an end, his countenance fell.
5. The face, visage.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > [noun]
leera700
nebeOE
onseneeOE
wlitec950
anlethOE
nebshaftc1225
snouta1300
facec1300
visage1303
semblantc1315
vicea1325
cheera1350
countenance1393
front1398
fashiona1400
visurec1400
physiognomyc1425
groina1500
faxa1522
favour1525
facies1565
visor1575
complexiona1616
frontispiecea1625
mun1667
phiz1687
mug1708
mazard1725
physiog1791
dial plate1811
fizzog1811
jiba1825
dial1837
figurehead1840
Chevy Chase1859
mooey1859
snoot1861
chivvy1889
clock1899
map1899
mush1902
pan1920
kisser1938
boat1958
boat race1958
punim1965
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 372 My contenaunce is on the boke, But toward her is all my loke.
a1400–50 Alexander 484 He kest vp his contenance & knyȝtly he lokes.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xxxiv. 29 Yf he hyde awaye his countenaunce.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xvii. 42 But a youth, and ruddy, and of a faire countenance . View more context for this quotation
1735 J. Swift Humble Addr. to Parl. in Wks. IV. 237 That vile Representation of the Royal Countenance.
1835 E. Bulwer-Lytton Rienzi I. i. i. 4 His countenance was handsome.
1871 R. Browning Hervé Riel viii, in Cornhill Mag. Mar. 259 How hope succeeds despair on each Captain's countenance!
6.
a. ‘Calmness of look, composure of face’; ‘confidence of mien’ (Johnson); esp. in to lose countenance, with a good countenance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > [noun] > of appearance or demeanour
countenancec1330
coolth1966
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 5740 Now is Gij of Warwike a couward..Lorn he haþ contenaunce.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3368 And þof sco scamful was, i-wiss, Sco tint na contenance wit þis.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2518 All the buernes aboute abasshet þer with..þere countenaunse failed.
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 21 The Admirall (framing the best countenance he could) departed.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) I. 527/2 The Persians stood and received them with a good countenance.
b. out of countenance: disconcerted, abashed. to put out of countenance: to disconcert. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > feeling of shame > [adjective] > abashed
abasheda1387
out of countenancec1500
discountenanced1644
streaked1833
streaky1848
the mind > emotion > humility > feeling of shame > shame [verb (transitive)] > abash
abashc1384
rebash?1473
to put out of countenancec1500
to dash (a person) out of countenance (conceit, courage)1530
deface1537
dash1570
discountenance1584
disgrace1607
debash1610
out-nose1624
to put out of face1821
c1500 Ballad on Money in J. O. Halliwell Nugæ Poeticæ (1844) 49 Every man lackyng yt than Is clene owte of countenaunce.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 601 I will not be put out of countenance . View more context for this quotation
1606 Bp. J. Hall Heauen vpon Earth iv. 28 Firme & obdurate forheads, whose resolution can laugh their sinnes out of countenance.
1668 S. Pepys Diary IV. 11 The table spread..for a noble breakfast..that put me out of countenance, so much and so good.
1701 N. Grew Cosmol. Sacra iv. vii. §20 When Cain..was out of countenance.
1778 F. Burney Let. Sept. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 151 You did put her a little out of countenance.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days ii. vi. 355 You'll stare my mother out of countenance.
c. to keep (a person) in countenance: to keep him from being abashed or disconcerted; now often involving the notion of encouragement by show of favour or support (cf. 8); to countenance v. So to put in countenance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > proper pride or self-respect > imbue with proper pride or self-respect [verb (transitive)] > specifically by freeing from shyness
to keep (a person) in countenance1598
effront1643
to put on a good (also bold, brave) face1704
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 613 And now forward, for we haue put thee in countenance. View more context for this quotation
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xvii. sig. Gg7v It does not only keep impertinent Fools in countenance, but encourages them to be very troublesome to wise Men.
1716 J. Addison Free-Holder No. 33 It puts Learned Men in Countenance.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. iii. 63 To shut out the censuring world, and keep each other in countenance.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 504 Cornbury was soon kept in countenance by a crowd of deserters.
II. Demeanour expressing partiality.† 7. Demeanour or manner towards others as expressing good or ill will; show of feeling or manifestation of regard towards another. Obsolete.[Immediately related to 1.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > [noun] > behaviour towards another or treatment > demeanour expressing
countenancec1369
c1369 G. Chaucer Bk. Duchesse 1022 She wolde not fonde To holde no wight in balaunce, By half word ne by countenaunce.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) ix. 12 The kyng gud counternans [1489 Adv. contenance] thaim maid.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) iii. iii. sig. E.ij Lo where she commeth, some countenaunce to hir make.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. sig. D2 The stout Faery..Thought..that great Princesse too exceeding prowd, That to strange knight no better countenance allowd.
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 138 Entertaining him with the best countenance that could be.
8. † b. transferred. A support. Obsolete.
a. ‘Patronage; appearance of favour; appearance on any side’ (Johnson); moral support.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > [noun]
comfort?c1225
encourage1535
encouragement1550
comfortation1552
countenance1576
cover1581
couragement1603
patronage1610
abettance1781
championship1840
moral support1852
fautorship1863
affirmation1966
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 27 Your authoritie and countenaunce giveth mee..great incouragement.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. ii. 29 Vnder whose countenaunce we steale. View more context for this quotation
1608 D. Tuvill Ess. Politicke, & Morall f. 10 That his deedes may be alwaies readie to give authoritie and countenance to his words.
1782 J. Priestley Hist. Corruptions Christianity I. i. 143 A doctrine which has no countenance in reason or revelation.
1841 T. B. Macaulay Warren Hastings in Edinb. Rev. Oct. 161 To lend no countenance to such..adulation.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 67 Else I withdraw favour and countenance From you and yours for ever.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports
staffc1000
hold1042
source1359
legc1380
shorer1393
stabilimenta1398
upholder1398
sustentationa1400
undersetterc1400
bearinga1425
undersettinga1425
suppowellc1430
triclinec1440
sustentaclec1451
supportera1475
sustainerc1475
sustenal1483
stayc1515
buttress1535
underpinning1538
firmament1554
countenance1565
support1570
appuia1573
comfort1577
hypostasis1577
underpropping1586
porter1591
supportation1593
supportance1597
understaya1603
bearer1607
rest1609
upsetter1628
mountinga1630
sustent1664
underlay1683
holdfast1706
abutment1727
suppeditor1728
mount1739
monture1746
bed1793
appoggiatura1833
bracing1849
bench1850
under-pinner1859
bolster-piece1860
sustainer1873
table mount1923
1565–73 T. Cooper Thesaurus Agger..a bulwarke; a countenance to a fortresse or campe: a rampier.
1691 J. Norris Pract. Disc. Divine Subj. 102 One is a Countenance and Incouragement to another.
III. Estimation or repute.† 9. Estimation; credit or repute in the world.† 10. The estate or state which one maintains or keeps up; position, standing, dignity. Obsolete.It was often used by commentators as a rendering of contenementum in Magna Carta, though with doubtful propriety: see contenement n.† 11. ? Maintenance. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > [noun]
nameeOE
talec1175
fame?c1225
lose1297
creancec1330
stevenc1374
opinionc1384
credencec1390
recorda1393
renowna1400
reputationc1400
reportc1425
regardc1440
esteema1450
noisea1470
reapport1514
estimation1530
savour1535
existimationa1538
countenancea1568
credit1576
standing1579
stair1590
perfumec1595
estimate1597
pass1601
reportage1612
vibration1666
suffrage1667
rep1677
face1834
odour1835
rap1966
a1568 R. Ascham in A. Fleming Panoplie Epist. (1576) 431 You are one whome before all other this Universitie hath in more countenaunce and estimation.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 148 If I were in as great countenaunce with my sisters sonne.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 10v Philautus.., both for his owne continuance, & the great countenaunce whiche his Father had whyle he liued, crepte into credite with Don Ferardo.
a1745 J. Swift in Wks. (1958) II. 54 If the outward profession of religion and virtue were once in practice and countenance at court.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > [noun] > distinction of class > level or grade
mannishOE
placec1330
state1340
gree1382
conditionc1384
sectc1384
sortc1386
ordera1400
raff?a1400
degreea1425
countenancec1477
faction?1529
estate1530
race1563
calibre1567
being1579
coat1579
rang1580
rank1585
tier1590
classis1597
strain1600
consequence1602
regiment1602
sept1610
standinga1616
class1629
species1629
nome1633
quality1636
sort1671
size1679
situation1710
distinction1721
walk of life1733
walk1737
stage1801
strata1805
grade1808
caste1816
social stratum1838
station1842
stratum1863
echelon1950
c1477 in Eng. Gilds 304 Beinge men of good welthe and countenance.
1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xi. f. 21 Sauyng to a gentylman his counteynaunce and his householde.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Peisistratus in Panoplie Epist. 199 Gentlemen of the best countenaunce, and highest degree of honour.
1581 Compendious Exam. Certayne Ordinary Complaints ii. f. 33 Gentlemen..seeke to mainteine their countenaunces as their predecessors did.
a1617 P. Baynes Comm. Ephes. (1658) 18 Men of countenance and authority.
1689 R. Milward Selden's Table-talk 20 Fines, When a Man was Fin'd, he was to be Fin'd Salvo Contenemento, so as his Countenance might be safe.
1784 J. Reeves Hist. Eng. Law (1814) I. 127 Such a grievous imposition as would entirely destroy their contenement, or, to use an English term..formed from it, their countenance and appearance in the world.
ΚΠ
1538 Bale God's Promises i, in W. C. Hazlitt Dodsley's Sel. Coll. Old Eng. Plays (1874) I. 287 But through his ordinance Each have his strength and whole countenance.
1556 N. Grimald tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Duties ii. f. 55v Referred to the common vse, and countenaunce of the life.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
countenancen.2
Used for continuance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [noun]
lengtha1240
date?1316
durationc1384
hautesse1399
quantity?a1425
periodc1475
tracta1513
allowance1526
continuance1530
wideness1535
continue1556
protense1590
countenance1592
stay1595
standing1600
dimension1605
longanimity1607
longinquity1607
insisture1609
existence1615
unprivationa1628
continuity1646
protension1654
measure1658
course1665
contention1666
propagation1741
protensity1886
the world > action or operation > continuing > [noun]
continuationc1374
residence?c1450
continuance1530
countenance1592
pursuance1601
continualness1611
ongoing1637
continuando1672
continuing1691
continuality1805
ongoingness1932
1592 R. Greene Thirde Pt. Conny-catching sig. B4 Countenance of talke made them careles of the time.
1610 Greenes Arcadia sig. C As carefull for the weale of his Country, as the countenance of his diademe.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
countenancev.
/ˈkaʊntɪnəns/ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (intransitive)] > make specific appearance
to make semblantc1230
showc1405
to make (a) countenance1470
countenance1486
to make semblancea1500
semble1542
to give a visage1549
to make resemblance1566
to set a countenance1600
figure1762
1486 Bk. St. Albans A vj b Sum tyme yowre hawke countenansis as she piked hir, and yet she proynith not.
?1520 J. Rastell Nature .iiii. Element sig. Evjv I can countenaunse comely.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)]
mitheeOE
bipechec1000
huec1000
feigna1300
unlikena1382
counterfeitc1400
pretend1402
dissimulec1430
dissimule1483
simule?a1500
semble1530
counterfeit1534
dissemblea1538
suppose1566
countenance1590
mock1595
assume1604
to put on1625
assimulate1630
personate1631
to take on1645
simulate1652
forge1752
sham1775
possum1850
to turn on1865
fake1889
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. ii. sig. O2 They were two knights..Which to these Ladies loue did countenaunce.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > insistence or persistence > insist or persist [verb (transitive)]
to countenance outa1529
to face down (also out)1530
to stand to ——1551
to stand upon it1590
to stand in ——1594
to stand out1653
to stick out1885
sledgehammer1976
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > support, corroborate
fasteneOE
i-sothea925
sustainc1325
witness1362
approvec1380
confirmc1384
affirma1393
justifya1393
to bear outa1475
corrobore1485
uphold1485
nourisha1522
underpinc1522
to countenance outa1529
favoura1530
soothe1544
strengthen1548
comfort1593
second1596
accredit1598
evidencea1601
warrantise1600
compact1608
back1612
thickena1616
accreditate1654
shoulder1674
support1691
corroborate1706
carry1835
to give (also lend) colour1921
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Bii Swere and stare and byde thereby And countenance it clenly.
1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 693/1 With furious words and irreuerent behauyour..he thought to continaunce out the matter.
1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. xxv. i. 366 Let this suffice to countenance out my conjecture.
1613 T. Adams White Deuil 13 Let not the pretended equity to men, countenance out our neglected piety to God.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautify [verb (transitive)] > be becoming to or set off
becomec1314
commend1535
advancea1555
comely1573
outseta1578
countenance?1578
to set out1586
to stick off1613
to set offa1616
suit1655
to put off1700
advantage1748
approve1849
flatter1904
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 18 Who, for parsonage, gesture, & vtterauns beside, coountenaunst the matter too very good lyking.
1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. C2v What is the end of seruice to a man but to countenance himselfe and credit his maister with braue sutes.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 1100 Countenanced this yeares wars with greater shewes than deeds.
5. To give countenance to; to look upon with sanction or favour; to favour, patronize, sanction, encourage, ‘back up’, bear out:† c. a person to do or be something. Obsolete.
a. a person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)]
shoveOE
to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1154
favour1362
abetc1380
sustainc1390
supportc1405
courage1470
comfort1481
friend1550
through-bear1554
countenance1568
foster1569
favourize1585
seconda1586
sidea1601
rally1624
feed1626
countenance1654
encourage1668
inserve1683
to go strong on1822
partake1861
sponsor1884
to hold a brief for1888
root1889
rah-rah1940
affirm1970
babysit1973
barrack-
1568 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Diall Princes (1619) 625 Noble men, whose credit..with the Prince, may honour and countenance them [Gentlemens sonnes].
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. i. 32 I beseech you sir to countenance William Visor of Woncote against Clement Perkes a'th hill. View more context for this quotation
1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. xxvii. 276 That the painefull and obedient bee..countenanced, incouraged and preferred.
1709 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1886) II. 252 I am afraid some of these great Men countenance this bold and Heretical writer.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 243 To demand that Burnet should no longer be countenanced at the Hague.
b. a thing (action, practice, opinion, etc.).
ΚΠ
a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. Fiii Content to lose The pleasance of his age to countnance law.
1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. i. §43. 464/2 Constantinus..the first Emperour who countenanced the Gospel.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 113. ⁋1 Lest we should countenance the crime.
1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds Pref. 13 We shall not be supposed to countenance the practice.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)]
shoveOE
to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1154
favour1362
abetc1380
sustainc1390
supportc1405
courage1470
comfort1481
friend1550
through-bear1554
countenance1568
foster1569
favourize1585
seconda1586
sidea1601
rally1624
feed1626
countenance1654
encourage1668
inserve1683
to go strong on1822
partake1861
sponsor1884
to hold a brief for1888
root1889
rah-rah1940
affirm1970
babysit1973
barrack-
1654 E. Wolley tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Curia Politiæ 159 Their power must not countenance them to be severe.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. ii. iv. 116 The very Negroes..are countenanced to do so by the Spaniards.
1717 D. Defoe Mem. Church of Scotl. i. 16 She countenanced the Priests to go on with all the persecuting Methods they could.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > agree, harmonize, or be congruous with [verb (transitive)]
conspirec1384
accorda1393
to stand with ——c1449
to sit with ——a1500
correspond1545
resound1575
square1583
quader1588
to comport with1591
sympathize1594
beset1597
range1600
even1602
consort1607
to run with ——1614
countenancea1616
hita1616
sympathy1615
filea1625
quadrate?1630
consist1638
commensurate1643
commensure1654
to strike in1704
jig1838
harmonize1852
chime in with1861
equate1934
to tie in1938
to tune in1938
to tie up1958
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 80 Malcolme, Banquo, As from your Graues rise vp, and walke like Sprights, To countenance this horror. View more context for this quotation
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1c1290
n.21592v.1486