What is "to keep the countenance"

Countenance \Coun"te*nance\ (koun"t[-e]*nans), n. [OE. contenance, countenaunce, demeanor, composure, F. contenance demeanor, fr. L. continentia continence, LL. also, demeanor, fr. L. continere to hold together, repress, contain. See Contain, and cf. Continence.]

1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.

   So spake the Son, and into terror changed His countenance.
   --Milton.

2. The face; the features.

   In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.
   --Shak.

3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor, good will, support; aid; encouragement.

   Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance.
   --Ps. xxi. 6.

   This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice.
   --Atterbury.

4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]

   The election being done, he made countenance of great discontent thereat.
   --Ascham.

   In countenance, in an assured condition or aspect; free from shame or dismay. ``It puts the learned in countenance, and gives them a place among the fashionable part of mankind.''
   --Addison.

   Out of countenance, not bold or assured; confounded; abashed. ``Their best friends were out of countenance, because they found that the imputations . . . were well grounded.''
   --Clarendon.

   To keep the countenance, to preserve a composed or natural look, undisturbed by passion or emotion.
   --Swift.