legalist

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

le•gal•ism /ˈligəˌlɪzəm/   n. 

1. Law [uncountable] strict adherence to the law.
2. [countable] an example of such strict following of the rules.

le•gal•is•tic, adj. See -leg-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

le•gal•ism  (lē′gə liz′əm), n. 

1. Law strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, esp. to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. [Theol.]
   • Religion the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
   • Religion the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.
3. Philosophy (cap.) (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.

• legal + -ism 1830–40

le′gal•ist, n. 
le′gal•is′tic, adj. 
le′gal•is′ti•cal•ly, adv.