Fōrm'al-īst, n.

n. [Fr. formaliste, It. formalista.] One who is over-attentive to forms, or too much confined to them; one who relies on external ceremonies; especially, one who rests in external religious forms, or observes the 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.