formalist Meaning, Definition & Usage

Form"al*ist noun
Etymology
Cf. F. formaliste.
Definitions
  1. One overattentive to forms, or too much confined to them; esp., one who rests in external religious forms, or observes strictly the outward forms of worship, without possessing the life and spirit of religion.
    As far a formalist from wisdom sits, In judging eyes, as libertines from wits. Young.

Webster 1913