fȯ(r)ˈmaləd.ē, -ətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French formalité, from formal + -ité -ity — more at formal
1. : the quality or state of being formal: as
a. obsolete : the practice or exhibition of formalism in art or music
b. : strictly ceremonious quality or state : precise stiff regularity or conformance
2. archaic : the distinctive quality that makes a thing what it is or defines its nature : essence
3. : compliance with formal or conventional rules : conformity to established form or method of procedure (as in law) : form , ceremony , conventionality
4. : the dress or insignia prescribed for academic, municipal, or sacerdotal office — usually used in plural
the lord mayor in his formalities headed the procession
5.
a. : an established form or formal procedure that is required or conventional especially in religious, legal, courtly, or social matters
b. : a customary ceremony without much real significance
he was installed with all the usual formalities — Conyers Middleton
6. obsolete
a. : ceremonious attention
b. : formal aspect
c. : invariable practice : order , regularity
d. : external appearance or form ; often : form without substance
7. in scholasticism
a. : the manner in which a thing is conceived or constituted by an act of human thinking
b. : the result of such an act
Synonyms: see form