The fact, condition, or quality of being external; outwardness or formality (of religious observances).

Ritualism; attention to ritual. Also: an instance of this.

Absorption in externals.

The practice of ritual, esp. regarded as excessive or improper.

The strict or overzealous observance of liturgical rubrics.

Worship of the church; excessive reverence for church forms and traditions.

Addiction to or fondness for external ceremonies in religion; ritualism.

Excessive regard for what is external, to the neglect of what is essential, esp. in religion; an instance of this.

The disposition to exalt what is formal or outward at the expense of what is spiritual; the practice of using forms of worship and of religious…

In religious sense occasionally: Devotion to the external instead of to the inward and spiritual.

Excessive concentration on liturgy; a disproportionate concern with liturgical detail.

‘spiky’ character or behaviour.