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Webster 1913 Edition


Discountenance

Dis-coun′te-nance

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Discountenanced
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Discountenancing
.]
[Pref.
dis-
+
countenance
: cf. OF.
descontenancer
, F.
décontenancer
.]
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.

Dis-coun′te-nance

,
Noun.
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 1828 Edition


Discountenance

DISCOUNTENANCE

,
Verb.
T.
[dis and countenance.]
1.
To abash; to ruffle or discompose the countenance; to put to shame; to put out of countenance. [Not used.]
How would one look from his majestic brow--Discountenance her despised.
2.
To discourage; to check; to restrain by frowns, censure, arguments, opposition, or cold treatment. The good citizen will discountenance vice by every lawful means.

DISCOUNTENANCE

,
Noun.
Cold treatment; unfavorable aspect; unfriendly regard; disapprobation; whatever tends to check or discourage.
He thought a little discountenance on those persons would suppress that spirit.