manner 1
/man"euhr/ , n.
1. a way of doing, being done, or happening; mode of action, occurrence, etc.: I don't like the manner in which he complained.
2. manners ,
a. the prevailing customs, ways of living, and habits of a people, class, period, etc.; mores: The novels of Jane Austen are concerned with the manners of her time.
b. ways of behaving with reference to polite standards; social comportment: That child has good manners.
3. a person's outward bearing; way of speaking to and treating others: She has a charming manner.
4. characteristic or customary way of doing, making, saying, etc.: houses built in the 19th-century manner.
5. air of distinction: That old gentleman had quite a manner.
6. ( used with a sing. or pl. v. ) kind; sort: What manner of man is he? All manner of things were happening.
7. characteristic style in art, literature, or the like: verses in the manner of Spenser.
8. Obs.
a. nature; character.
b. guise; fashion.
9. by all manner of means , by all means; certainly.
10. by no manner of means , under no circumstances; by no means; certainly not: She was by no manner of means a frivolous person.
11. in a manner , so to speak; after a fashion; somewhat.
12. in a manner of speaking , in a way; as it were; so to speak: We were, in a manner of speaking, babes in the woods.
13. to the manner born ,
a. accustomed by birth to a high position: He was a gentleman to the manner born.
b. used to a particular custom, activity, or role from birth.
[ 1125-75; ME manere maniere manuaria, n. use of fem. of manuarius handy, convenient (L: of, pertaining to the hand). See MANUS, -ER 2 ]
Syn. 1. method. 3. demeanor, deportment. MANNER, AIR, BEARING all refer to one's outward aspect or behavior. MANNER applies to a distinctive mode of behavior, or social attitude toward others, etc.: a gracious manner. AIR applies to outward appearance insofar as this is distinctive or indicative: an air of martyrdom. AIRS imply affectation: to put on airs. BEARING applies esp. to carriage: a noble bearing. 4. mode, fashion, style; habit, custom.
manner 2
/man"euhr/ , n. Old Eng. Law.
mainour.