Coun″te‐nance (koun″t?–nans), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Countenanced (–nanst); 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.
Which to these ladies love did countenance.
Spenser.