formality

From Middle French formalité

• Rhymes: -ælɪti

formality (countable and uncountable, plural formalities)

1. (uncountable) The state of being formal.
2. Something said or done as a matter of form.
3. A customary ritual without new or unique meaning.
4. (countable) A specific requirement for obtaining a legal status, conducting a transaction, etc.

• formality in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• formality in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.