Foreordinarian

A 'foreordinarian' is an antiquated and somewhat humorous term used to describe someone who adheres rigidly to established rules, customs, or precedents; a stickler for formalities and protocol. This individual exhibits an unwavering commitment to doing things according to a prescribed order and is often seen as inflexible or conservative in their approach. The term implies a slightly eccentric or outdated adherence, often evoking the image of someone overly concerned with the 'proper' way of doing things, sometimes to an absurd degree. They are generally slow to adapt to change or embrace new ideas.

Foreordinarian meaning with examples

• Mr. Abernathy, a true foreordinarian, insisted on using a quill and inkwell for all his correspondence, much to the annoyance of his colleagues. He always maintained a formal dress code and believed that punctuality was a virtue above all else. Anything that wasn't the standard felt like a personal assault.
• The town council was dominated by foreordinarians, clinging fiercely to outdated zoning laws and resisting any attempt to modernize the infrastructure. They spent countless hours debating procedural minutiae, effectively stifling progress and alienating younger residents.
• When planning the wedding, Aunt Mildred, a self-proclaimed foreordinarian, created a complex seating chart and demanded that all guests adhere strictly to the order of the processional. She was utterly unyielding and gave the bride constant grief.
• Professor Davies, a foreordinarian in his field, steadfastly refused to incorporate any new theories or methodologies into his lectures, remaining committed to his decades-old, yet respected, textbooks and classroom structure. His colleagues found his refusal to budge mind-boggling.