Dictionary › L › legalism

legalism

4 syllables
noun
Quick answer

As a noun, legalism means 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.

Meanings of legalism

4 meanings

noun

  1. 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.

  2. religionA belief that salvation is attained or maintained by adherence to the requirements of moral law; salvation by works rather than by faith alone.

  3. A legal axiom, term or rule.

  4. Strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

For word games

l1
e1
g2
a1
l1
i1
s1
m3
Scrabble & Words With Friends: valid word11 points before bonuses.8 letters.
Unscramble these letters

Nearby words

leftoversleftyleglegacylegallegal separationlegalisticlegalitylegalizationlegalizelegallylegate