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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