mannerism

n. [ Cf. F. maniérisme. ] 1. Adherence to a peculiar style or manner; a characteristic mode of action, bearing, behavior, or treatment of others. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Adherence to a peculiar style or manner carried to excess, especially in literature or art. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mannerism is pardonable, and is sometimes even agreeable, when the manner, though vicious, is natural . . . . But a mannerism which does not sit easy on the mannerist, which has been adopted on principle, and which can be sustained only by constant effort, is always offensive. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]