pharisaic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite excessively or hypocritically pious
    self-righteous; sanctimonious; holier-than-thou; pietistic; pharisaical; pietistical.
    • a sickening sanctimonious smile

WordNet

Phar`i*sa"ic, Phar`i*sa"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Pharisaic
  • Pharisaical
)
Etymology
L. Pharisaicus, Gr. : cf. F. pharisaïque. See Pharisee.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the Pharisees; resembling the Pharisees. "The Pharisaic sect among the Jews." Cudworth.
  2. Hence: Addicted to external forms and ceremonies; making a show of religion without the spirit of it; ceremonial; formal; hypocritical; self-righteous. "Excess of outward and pharisaical holiness. " Bacon. "Pharisaical ostentation." Macaulay. -- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ness, n.

Webster 1913