the quality of a form, or formula; or that which constitutes and denominates them such.

as defined in the schools, is any manner wherein a thing is conceived; or a manner in any object, importing a relation to the understanding, whereby it may be distinguished from another object. Thus, animality and rationality are formalities. The Scottifts made great use of formalities, in opposition to the virtualities of the Thomists.

FORMALITIES, in matters of law, are frequently used for the formulas themselves, or the rules prescribed for judiciary proceedings. In contracts of strict law, all the formalities must be strictly observed: an omission of the least formality may ruin the whole convention.

The term is also used for a certain order or decorum to be observed.