{ } a. [ L. Pharisaicus, Gr. Farisai:ko`s: cf. F. pharisaïque. See Pharisee. ] 1. Of or pertaining to the Pharisees; resembling the Pharisees. “The Pharisaic sect among the Jews.” Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. pharisaisme. ] 1. The notions, doctrines, and conduct of the Pharisees, as a sect. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Rigid observance of external forms of religion, without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion; a censorious, self-righteous spirit in matters of morals or manners. “A piece of pharisaism.” Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. Pharisaeus, Gr. Farisai^os. ] Following the practice of Pharisees; Pharisaic. [ Obs. ] “Pharisean disciples.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. Pharisaeus, Gr. Farisai^os, from Heb. pārash to separate. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Pharisaism. [ 1913 Webster ]