Plural of countenance; can mean faces or expressions, or the verb form means to approve or permit; one's appearance, bearing, or composure.
From Old French 'contenance' (conduct, demeanor) from Latin 'continentia' (self-control, conduct). Originally referred to facial expressions and bearing, then evolved to mean approval because your face reveals your stance on something.
Shakespeare and older texts use 'countenance' for someone's bearing or expression in ways modern writers wouldn't, so reading 'a noble countenance' is like reading 'a noble bearing'—it's both face and character!
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