Form"al*ist, n. [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 formalist from wisdom sits,
In judging eyes, as libertines from wits.
Young.
© Webster 1913.