legalist
legalist Lexical Profile
legalist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who adheres strictly and literally to the letter of the law or to a set of formal rules and moral codes, often at the expense of their underlying spirit.
"As a strict legalist, the auditor refused to overlook even the smallest procedural oversight."
An expert in law or jurisprudence; a jurist.
"Several prominent constitutional legalists were invited to testify before the judiciary committee."
In Christian theology, a person who believes that salvation is achieved through strict adherence to moral law and good works rather than through faith and grace alone.
"The reformer's sermon cautioned the congregation against becoming legalists who rely solely on outward observance."
• adjective
Characterized by or adhering to strict, literal interpretation of laws and rules; legalistic.
"The committee took a strictly legalist approach to reviewing the disputed contract."
• Rhymes for legalist
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from 'legal' (from Latin 'legalis', from 'lex', meaning 'law') combined with the agent suffix '-ist'.