'To keep the countenance' definitions:

Definition of 'To keep the countenance'

From: GCIDE
  • Countenance \Coun"te*nance\ (koun"t[-e]*nans), n. [OE. contenance, countenaunce, demeanor, composure, F. contenance demeanor, fr. L. continentia continence, LL. also, demeanor, fr. L. continere to hold together, repress, contain. See Contain, and cf. Continence.]
  • 1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien. [1913 Webster]
  • So spake the Son, and into terror changed His countenance. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The face; the features. [1913 Webster]
  • In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement. [1913 Webster]
  • Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance. --Ps. xxi. 6. [1913 Webster]
  • This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat. --Ascham. [1913 Webster]
  • In countenance, in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay. "It puts the learned in countenance, and gives them a place among the fashionable part of mankind." --Addison.
  • Out of countenance, not bold or assured; confounded; abashed. "Their best friends were out of countenance, because they found that the imputations . . . were well grounded." --Clarendon.
  • To keep the countenance, to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion. --Swift. [1913 Webster]