FORMAL'ITY, noun

1. The practice or observance of forms.

Formalities of extraordinary zeal and piety are never more studied and elaborate then in desperate designs.

2. Ceremony; mere conformity to customary modes.

Nor was his attendance on divine offices a matter of formality and custom, but of conscience.

3. Established order; rule of proceeding; mode; method; as the formalities of judicial process; formalities of law.

4. Order; decorum to be observed; customary mode of behavior.

5. Customary mode of dress; habit; robe.

6. External appearance.

7. Essence; the quality which constitutes a thing what it is.

The formality of the vow lies in the promise made to God.

8. In the schools, the manner in which a thing is conceived; or a manner in an object, importing a relation to the understanding, by which it may be distinguished from another object. Thus animality and rationality are formalities.