legalistic

English

Etymology

legal +‎ -istic

Adjective

legalistic (comparative more legalistic, superlative most legalistic)

1. Of a person, following the letter of the law.

   He's very legalistic, so let's hope the law is just and merciful as well as strict.

2. Of a person, tending to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently.

   His legalistic tendencies irritated his neighbors, especially since they had to defend themselves against his frivolous suits.

3. Practicing or characterized by legalism.

   She was legalistic in her observation of religious rules and traditions.

   the European Union is legalistic, bureaucratic and runs by precedent.

Related terms

• legalism
• legalist

See also

• literalist

Further reading

• “legalistic”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.

Anagrams

• legistical