legalism

le·gal·ism

[lee-guh-liz-uhm]
noun
1.
strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
2.
Theology.
a.
the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
b.
the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.
3.
( initial capital letter ) (in Chinese philosophy) the principles and practices of a school of political theorists advocating strict legal control over all activities, a system of rewards and punishments uniform for all classes, and an absolute monarchy.

Origin:
1830–40; legal + -ism

le·gal·ist, noun
le·gal·is·tic, adjective
le·gal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
legalism (ˈliːɡəˌlɪzəm) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
strict adherence to the law, esp the stressing of the letter of the law rather than its spirit
 
'legalist
 
n, —adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Legalism is always a great word to know.
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a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
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