1. A way of doing something or the way in which a thing is done or happens. See synonyms at method.
2. A way of acting; bearing or behavior.
3. manners
   1. The socially correct way of acting; etiquette.
   2. The prevailing customs, social conduct, and norms of a specific society, period, or group, especially as the subject of a literary work.
4. Practice, style, execution, or method in the arts: This fresco is typical of the painter's early manner.
5. 1. Kind; sort: What manner of person is she?
   2. Kinds; sorts: saw all manner of people at the mall.

in a manner of speaking

1. In a way; so to speak.

1. Accustomed to a position, custom, or lifestyle from or as if from birth.

[Middle English manere, from Old French maniere, from feminine of manier, handmade, skillful, from Vulgar Latin *manuārius, convenient, handy, from Latin, of the hand, from manus, hand.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.