Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
COUNTENANCE
I. noun see: contain
Date: 13th century
bearing , demeanor ,
2. calm expression, mental composure, look , expression ,
3. archaic aspect , semblance , pretense , face , visage , bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction ; moral support,
II. transitive verb (-nanced; -nancing)
Date: 1568
to extend approval or toleration to ; sanction , countenancer noun