— mannerist , n. — manneristic , adj. — manneristically , adv.
/man"euh riz'euhm/ , n.
1. a habitual or characteristic manner, mode, or way of doing something; distinctive quality or style, as in behavior or speech: He has an annoying mannerism of tapping his fingers while he talks. They copied his literary mannerisms but always lacked his ebullience.
2. marked or excessive adherence to an unusual or a particular manner, esp. if affected: Natural courtesy is a world apart from snobbish mannerism.
3. ( usually cap. ) a style in the fine arts developed principally in Europe during the 16th century, chiefly characterized by a complex perspectival system, elongation of forms, strained gestures or poses of figures, and intense, often strident color.
[ 1795-1805; MANNER 1 + -ISM ]