legalism
noun
Forms legalisms
- noun (uncountable) The focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
- noun (religion, often derogatory, uncountable) A belief that salvation is attained or maintained by adherence to the requirements of moral law; salvation by works rather than by faith alone.
- noun (countable) A legal axiom, term or rule.
- noun A school of thought, originating in ancient China during the Warring States period and officially adopted during the Qin dynasty, advocating rule by law as key to ensuring social stability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
antilegalism nonlegalism antinomianism antinomism solifidianism
Etymology
From legal + -ism. Piecewise doublet of loyalism.
From legal + -ism, calque from Chinese 法家 (fǎjiā). Almost always capitalised.
Webster’s 1913
- noun Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to law.
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “legalism”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details