Definition
In a manner which strictly adheres to rules, legal requirements, or official procedures.
In a manner which appears too studied, ritualized, and therefore artificial.
In Context
- "As far as he is concerned, he umpired by the book."
- "Romeo: Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again. They kiss again. Juliet: You kiss by th' book."
See Also
- by the numbers
- according to Hoyle
- legalism
- literalism
- proceduralism
- to the letter
- shipshape and Bristol fashion