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Webster 1913 Edition
Formalist
Form′al-ist
,Noun.
[Cf. F.
formaliste
.] 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
In judging eyes, as libertines from wits.
formalist
from wisdom sits,In judging eyes, as libertines from wits.
Young.
Webster 1828 Edition
Formalist
FORM'ALIST
, n.1.
One who observes forms, or practices external ceremonies. More generally,2.
One who regards appearances only, or observes the forms of worship, without possessing the life and spirit of religion; a hypocrite. A grave face and the regular practice of ceremonies have often gained to a formalist the reputation of piety.