— manliness , n.
/man"lee/ , adj., manlier, manliest , adv.
adj.
1. having qualities traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or bravery.
2. pertaining to or suitable for males: manly sports.
adv.
3. Archaic. in a manly manner.
[ bef. 900; ME (adj., adv.); OE manlic (adj.), manlice (adv.). See MAN 1 , -LY ]
Syn . MANLY, MANFUL, MANNISH mean having the traits or qualities that a culture regards as especially characteristic of or ideally appropriate to adult men. MANLY is usually a term of approval, suggesting traits admired by society, such as determination, decisiveness, and steadiness: a manly acceptance of the facts; manly firmness of character. MANFUL, also a term of approval, stresses qualities such as courage, strength, and fortitude: a manful effort to overcome great odds. MANNISH is most often used derogatorily in reference to the traits, manners, or accouterments of a woman that are thought to be more appropriate to or typical of a man: a mannish abruptness in her speech; She wore a severely mannish suit. See also male .
Ant. 1. weak, cowardly.