Dis*coun"te*nance (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discountenanced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Discountenancing (?).] [Pref. dis- + countenance: cf. OF. descontenancer, F. d'econtenancer.]

1.

To ruffle or discompose the countenance of; to put of countenance; to put to shame; to abash.

How would one look from his majestic brow . . . Discountenance her despised! Milton.

The hermit was somewhat discountenanced by this observation. Sir W. Scott.

2.

To refuse to countenance, or give the support of one's approval to; to give one's influence against; to restrain by cold treatment; to discourage.

A town meeting was convened to discountenance riot. Bancroft.

 

© Webster 1913.


Dis*coun"te*nance, n.

Unfavorable aspect; unfriendly regard; cold treatment; disapprobation; whatever tends to check or discourage.

He thought a little discountenance on those persons would suppress that spirit. Clarendon.

 

© Webster 1913.

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