punctilio

[puhngk-til-ee-oh] /pʌŋkˈtɪl iˌoʊ/
noun, plural punctilios for 1.
1.
a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
2.
strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities or amenities.
Origin
1590-1600; alteration of Italian puntiglio < Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto < Latin pūnctum point
Examples from the web for punctilio
  • No mission should ever be compromised by diplomatic punctilio.
  • They really seem to show a readiness to stand on punctilio and ceremony.
British Dictionary definitions for punctilio

punctilio

/pʌŋkˈtɪlɪˌəʊ/
noun (pl) -os
1.
strict attention to minute points of etiquette
2.
a petty formality or fine point of etiquette
Word Origin
C16: from Italian puntiglio small point, from punto point, from Latin punctum point
Word Origin and History for punctilio
n.

1590s, "point," also "detail of action," from Italian puntiglio or Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto "point" (see point (n.)).