n.
Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1 : the manner in which one bears or comports oneself
2 a : the act, power, or time of bringing forth offspring or fruit b : a product of bearing : CROP
3 a : an object, surface, or point that supports b : a machine part in which another part (as a journal or pin) turns or slides
4 : a figure borne on a heraldic field
5 : PRESSURE , THRUST
6 a : the situation or horizontal direction of one point with respect to another or to the compass b : a determination of position c plural : comprehension of one's position, environment, or situation d : RELATION , CONNECTION also : PURPORT
7 : the part of a structural member that rests on its supports
synonyms BEARING , DEPORTMENT , DEMEANOR , MIEN , MANNER , CARRIAGE mean the outward manifestation of personality or attitude. BEARING is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture <a woman of regal bearing >. DEPORTMENT suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training <your deportment was atrocious>. DEMEANOR suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior <the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter>. MIEN is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor <a mien of supreme self-satisfaction>. MANNER implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others <the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders>. CARRIAGE applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking <the kind of carriage learned at boarding school>.