Category:Formalist

Form"al*ist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. formaliste.]

Defn: 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.