'Formalism' definitions:
Definition of 'formalism'
From: WordNet
noun
The doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented [ant: imitation]
noun
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications
noun
The practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms
Definition of 'Formalism'
From: GCIDE
- Formalism \Form"al*ism\ (f[^o]rm"al*[i^]z'm), n. The practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to, or dependence on, external forms, esp. in matters of religion. [1913 Webster]
- Official formalism. --Sir H. Rawlinson. [1913 Webster]