Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mannerism
Man′ner-ism
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
maniérisme
.] 1.
Adherence to a peculiar style or manner; a characteristic mode of action, bearing, behavior, or treatment of others.
2.
Adherence to a peculiar style or manner carried to excess, especially in literature or art.
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Mannerism
MAN'NERISM
,Noun.