n. A fine point in exactness of conduct, ceremony or procedure. Strictness in observance of formalities.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A nice point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or proceeding; particularity or exactness in forms.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A small point.
n. A nice point, especially in conduct, ceremony, or proceeding; also, particularity or exactness in the observance of forms.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a fine point of etiquette or petty formality
n. strict observance of formalities
Word Usage
"I was also influenced by religious motives that suggested to me the necessity of living to atone, by my sufferings and sorrow, for the guilt I had incurred in complying with a savage punctilio, which is, I fear, displeasing in the sight of Heaven."