airs and graces UK /ˌɛəz‿n̩ ˈɡɹeɪsɪz/US /ˌɛɚz‿n̩ ˈɡɹeɪsɪz/ noun[plural only]1 •Behaviour adopted to demonstrate (originally) one's good upbringing; or (now) one's superiority; pretentious or snobbish behaviour.He made a thousand uggly Faces, / VVhich (as sometimes in Ladies cases) / VVere all design'd for Airs and Graces. — 1697