keep in countenance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I am amazed that they do not see that their dress is indispensable to keep in countenance the policy and purposes out of which those evils grow.

From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I by Stanton, Elizabeth Cady

She went; and, in order to keep in countenance should she meet anybody, she resolved that she would pretend to be fetching a coat hanging in a wardrobe-closet next to Marietje's room.

From Dr. Adriaan by Couperus, Louis

He bemoaned himself to the Lord Keeper, in a letter which may keep in countenance the most unmanly of the epistles which Cicero wrote during his banishment.

From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 2 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron

They are intended to keep in countenance the well-known "face," which is said to be "the Index of the Mind."

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

Even the great name of Michael Angelo may be used to keep in countenance a deficiency, or rather neglect of colouring, and every other ornamental part of the art.

From Seven Discourses on Art by Morley, Henry