[a. F. (la) technique, subst. use of technique adj., TECHNIC. Cf. Ger. die technik.] Manner of artistic execution or performance in relation to formal or practical details (as distinct from general effect, expression, sentiment, etc.); the mechanical or formal part of an art, esp. of any of the fine arts; also, skill or ability in this department of one’s art; mechanical skill in artistic work. (Used most commonly in reference to painting or musical performance.)
1817. Coleridge, Biog. Lit., I. iv. 83. Illogical phrases … which hold so distinguished a place in the technique of ordinary poetry.
1875. Fortnum, Maiolica, xii. 122. Mr. Robinson speaks of this specimen as ‘being of the most perfect technique of the master.’
1876. Stedman, Victorian Poets, 289. Their [poetic] work, however curious in technique, fails to permanently impress even the refined reader.
1884. Grove, Dict. Mus., IV. 66. A player may be perfect in technique, and yet have neither soul nor intelligence.
1885. Spectator, 30 May, 704/2. [Victor Hugo’s] improvement of the technique of versification.
1886. Mag. Art, Dec., 42/1 (Stanf.). His technique is somewhat sketchy,… and his colours extremely light.
1900. Jrnl. Sch. Geog. (U.S.), June, 213. The technique of raising cotton, or celery, or Indian corn.
