formal Copy link Outline I. Matter of formII. As logical t. t.III. Precise in demeanourIV. As opp. to real; mere matter of form • formal: I. Matter of form: formālis, e: to dictate a f. letter (a circular,) f. epistolam dictare, Suet. Dom. 13: f. words, f. verba. Cod. Just. 6, 23, 26. Phr.: a mere f. proceeding, *quod nonnisi dicis causa [consuetudinis gratia] fit: v. form (II.). II. As logical t. t.: regularly formed: formālis, e: not class. in this sense. Phr.: a f. (and perfect) syllogism, syllogismus cum numeris omnibus et cum suis finibus dictus, Gell. 2, 8, med. III. Precise in demeanour: *nimis accuratus; adeo accuratus ut putidum sit (?). IV. As opp. to real; mere matter of form: Phr.: mere f. worship, *externum ac fucatum [parum sincerum] obsequium; quasi corporis ac linguae reverentia.