PHARISAIC

pietistic, holier-than-thou, pietistical, pharisaic, pharisaical, sanctimonious, self-righteous

(adjective) excessively or hypocritically pious; “a sickening sanctimonious smile”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adjective

pharisaic (comparative more pharisaic, superlative most pharisaic)

Of or pertaining to the Pharisees.

(chiefly Christianity) Emphasizing the observance of ritual or practice over the meaning.

Self-righteous.

Synonyms

• pharisaical

Source: Wiktionary

Phar`i*sa"ic, Phar`i*sa"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. Pharisaicus, Gr. pharisaïque. See Pharisee.]

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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition