mannerism
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individualSynonyms: idiosyncrasyfoible
- a deliberate pretense or exaggerated displaySynonyms: affectationposeaffectedness
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Mannerism \Man"ner*ism\, n. [Cf. F. mani['e]risme.]
1.Adherence to a peculiar style or manner; a characteristic mode of action, bearing, behavior, or treatment of others. [1913 Webster]
2.Adherence to a peculiar style or manner carried to excess, especially in literature or art. [1913 Webster]
Mannerism is pardonable,and is sometimes even agreeable, when the manner, though vicious, is natural . . . . But a mannerism which does not sit easy on the mannerist, which has been adopted on principle, and which can be sustained only by constant effort, is always offensive.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]