'Mannerism' definitions:

Definition of 'mannerism'

(from WordNet)
noun
A behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual [syn: idiosyncrasy, foible, mannerism]
noun
A deliberate pretense or exaggerated display [syn: affectation, mannerism, pose, affectedness]

Definition of 'Mannerism'

From: 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]

Synonyms of 'mannerism'

From: Moby Thesaurus