English

Adjective

pharisaic ‎(comparative more pharisaic, superlative most pharisaic)

1. Of or pertaining to the Pharisees.
2. (chiefly Christianity) Emphasizing the observance of ritual or practice over the meaning.
   • 1913, George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion (Act I, Scene 1)

     The church clock strikes the second quarter.

     HIGGINS [Hearing in it the voice of God, rebuking him for his Pharisaic want of charity for the poor girl]

3. Self-righteous.

Synonyms

• pharisaical

Related terms

• pharisaic
• pharisaically
• pharisaicalness
• pharisaism

Translations

See also

• Pharisee