COUNTENANCE (2)

countenance (2). Countenance, v.t. to support, defend, favor

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Coun″te‐nance (koun″t?–nans), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countenanced (–nanst); p. pr. & vb. n. Countenancing.] 1. 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. 2. To make a show of; to pretend.
Which to these ladies love did countenance. Spenser.