Phar`i*sa"ic (?), Phar`i*sa"ic*al (?), a. [L. Pharisaicus, Gr. : cf. F. pharisaique. 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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