From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
technique
n 1: a practical method or art applied to some particular task
2: skillfulness in the command of fundamentals deriving from
practice and familiarity; "practice greatly improves
proficiency" [syn: proficiency, technique]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Technique \Tech`nique"\, n. [F.]
1. The method or manner of performance in any art; -- also
called technic.
[1913 Webster]
2. The body of technical methods and procedures used in a
science or craft.
[PJC]
3. the detailed movements used for executing an artistic
performance; technical skill; artistic execution; as, a
pianist's fingering technique.
[1913 Webster +PJC]