countenance (
http://definr.com/countenance)
n 1: the appearance conveyed by a person's face; "a pleasant
countenance"; "a stern visage" [syn:
visage]
2: formal and explicit approval [syn:
sanction,
endorsement,
warrant,
imprimatur]
3: the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal
terms for `face'; `phiz' is British) [syn:
physiognomy,
phiz,
visage,
kisser,
smiler,
mug]
v : 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" [syn:
permit,
allow,
let] [ant:
forbid,
forbid]