1 a a formal or ceremonial act, requirement of etiquette, regulation, or custom (often with an implied lack of real significance). b a thing done simply to comply with a rule.
2 the rigid observance of rules or convention.
3 ceremony; elaborate procedure.
4 being formal; precision of manners.
5 stiffness of design.
Etymology: F formaliteacute or med.L formalitas (as FORMAL)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.