affectation

An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false display; artificial show.countableuncountable

• This poem is strongly tinctured with those pedantic affectations concerning the passion of love ...
• [T]hey were not the spoiled children of affectation and refinement, but a bold, vigorous, independent race of thinkers, with prodigious strength and energy, with none but natural grace, and heartfelt unobtrusive delicacy.

An unusual mannerism.countableuncountable

An ostentatious fondness for something.countablerareuncountable

• Her upper part of decent diſcipline / Shew’d affecation of an ancient line: / And fathers, councils, church and churches head, / Were on her reverend Phylacteries read.