punctilio

noun

Etymology: From Italian puntiglio, or Spanish puntillo, diminutive from Latin pūnctum (“point”).

1. A fine point in exactness of conduct, ceremony, etiquette or procedure.

   “[…]–but, a-propos, ſaid he—Shakeſpear is full of great things—He forgot a ſmall punctillio of announcing your name—it puts you under a neceſſity of doing it yourſelf.”

   “The country was rigorous in exacting my compliance to my engagements to a punctilio, but equally careless in performing her contracts with me; and why so?”

2. Strictness in observance of formalities.

   “Alas! she little conceived that, though without any apparent levity or disregard to the world's censure, yet from an obsequiousness and acquiescence to the will and pleasure of others, into what thoughtless indiscretion and want of due punctilio she might be led; rendering her, in the case of Philimore and Oriana, by favouring them in their secret union, a most dangerous intimate!”

   “This rudeness and official punctilio, however, brought forth a storm of protest from my fellow voyagers.”