late 15c., contenauncen, “to behave or act (as if),” from countenance (n.). Sense of “to favor, appear friendly to, patronize” is from 1560s, from notion of “to look upon with sanction or smiles.” Related: Countenanced; countenancing.
late 15c., contenauncen, “to behave or act (as if),” from countenance (n.). Sense of “to favor, appear friendly to, patronize” is from 1560s, from notion of “to look upon with sanction or smiles.” Related: Countenanced; countenancing.