D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Formalism

/(fôrm"al*ĭz'm)/ · Form·al·ism · IPA /ˈfɔɹml̩ˌɪzm̩/
01 n. The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion.
  1. 1.
    The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion.
    “Official formalism.” — Sir H. Rawlinson.