formalism

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

formalism
    n 1: the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is
         what should be represented [ant: {imitation}]
    2: (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
    3: the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or
       external forms

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

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]