[man-uh-riz-uh
m] 
| 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 initial capital letter) 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. |
mannerism man·ner·ism (mān'ə-rĭz'əm)
n.
A distinctive behavioral trait; an idiosyncrasy.