Formality
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.