Coun·te·nance v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countenanced 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.
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