in a fashion
1. dated To some extent but crudely, imperfectly, or not very well. (This phrase has largely been replaced with the phrase "after a fashion," meaning the same.) Well, I mended your pants, in a fashion. They may not look great, but at least there isn't a hole anymore!
2. dated Of a lower caliber, order, or class. (This phrase has largely been replaced with the phrase "after a fashion," meaning the same.) He might think highly of himself, but he's only a writer in a fashion if you ask me.