pharisee Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a self-righteous or sanctimonious person
  2. noun a member of an ancient Jewish sect noted for strict obedience to Jewish traditions

WordNet

Phar"i*see noun
Etymology
L. Pharisaeus, Gr. , from Heb. parash to separate.
Definitions
  1. One of a sect or party among the Jews, noted for a strict and formal observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretensions to superior sanctity led them to separate themselves from the other Jews.

Webster 1913