Countenance
WordNet
noun
(1) The appearance conveyed by a person's face
"A pleasant countenance"
"A stern visage"
(2) The human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
(3) Formal and explicit approval
"A Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement"
verb
(4) Consent to, give permission
"She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband"
"I won't let the police search her basement"
"I cannot allow you to see your exam"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
- , Genesis 4:5
- But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
- , Genesis 4:5
Verb
- To tolerate, support, sanction, patronise or approve of something.
- The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.