For the Defence was not actually countenanced by the Law, but only tolerated, and there were differences of opinion even on that point, whether the Law could be interpreted to admit such tolerances at all.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face; "a pleasant countenance"; "a stern visage" the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen. Jake would not countenance Janis's marrying while still a student
(To) To sanction, to support Approval or disapproval is shown by the countenance The Scripture speaks of the light of God's countenance, i e the smile of approbation, and to hide His face (or countenance) is to manifest displeasure General Grant, neither at this time nor at any other, gave the least countenance to the efforts - Nicolay and Hay: Abraham Lincoln (vol ix chap ii p 51) To keep in countenance To encourage, or prevent one losing his countenance or feeling dismayed To keep one's countenance To refrain from smiling or expressing one's thoughts by the face Out of countenance Ashamed, confounded With the countenance fallen or cast down To put one out of countenance is to make one ashamed or disconcerted To discountenance is to set your face against something done or propounded
consent to, give permission; "She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband"; "I won't let the police search her basement"; "I cannot allow you to see your exam"