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

Ruth tried to keep in countenance, but a blush of shame and a frown of irritation came in spite of her.

From Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise by Phillips, David Graham

Herd ye, to keep in countenance; or are afraid of your own hideousness, that ye dread to go alone?

From Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II by Melville, Herman

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