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.

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

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

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

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

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