Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Legalism /(lē"gal*ĭz'm)/ · Le·gal·ism · IPA /lˈiːɡəlˌɪzəm/ 01 n. Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to law. 1. Strictness, or the doctrine of strictness, in conforming to law.