To form on (Mil.), to form a lengthened line with reference to (any
given object) as a basis.
For"mal (fÙr"mal), n. [L. formic + alcohol.] (Chem.) See Methylal.
Form"al (fÙrm"al), a. [L. formalis: cf. F. formel.] 1. Belonging to the
form, shape, frame, external appearance, or organization of a thing.
2. Belonging to the constitution of a thing, as distinguished from the
matter composing it; having the power of making a thing what it is;
constituent; essential; pertaining to or depending on the forms, so
called, of the human intellect.
Of [the sounds represented by] letters, the material part is breath
and voice; the formal is constituted by the motion and figure of
the organs of speech.
Holder.
3. Done in due form, or with solemnity; according to regular method;
not incidental, sudden or irregular; express; as, he gave his formal
consent.
His obscure funeral . . . No noble rite nor formal ostentation.
Shak.
4. Devoted to, or done in accordance with, forms or rules; punctilious;
regular; orderly; methodical; of a prescribed form; exact; prim; stiff;
ceremonious; as, a man formal in his dress, his gait, his conversation.
A cold-looking, formal garden, cut into angles and rhomboids.
W. Irwing.
She took off the formal cap that confined her hair.
Hawthorne.
5. Having the form or appearance without the substance or essence;
external; as, formal duty; formal worship; formal courtesy, etc.