1. strict adherence to law or formula, especially when carried to an extreme
Usage: plural form of legalism
2. legal technicalities or complex legal language
Usage: often used pejoratively

Examples

• The contract was full of legalisms that made it difficult to understand.
• Critics accused the judge of hiding behind legalisms instead of addressing the real issues.
• The lawyer’s brief was criticized for its excessive legalisms and lack of clarity.
• She avoided the legalisms and explained the case in simple terms.
• The document was rewritten to remove unnecessary legalisms.
• His argument relied too heavily on legalisms rather than common sense.