1. a person who adheres strictly to law or prescription
2. a person who views salvation as earned through adherence to moral law rather than through faith or grace
Usage: religious

Examples

• The judge was known as a legalist who interpreted statutes very narrowly.
• Critics called him a legalist for his rigid adherence to company policy.
• The pastor warned against becoming a legalist who focuses only on rules.
• As a constitutional legalist, she believed in strict interpretation of the text.
• The legalist approach left no room for flexibility in applying the regulations.
• Many viewed the Pharisees as legalists who emphasized law over compassion.