n. 1 a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity. 2 a self-righteous person; a hypocrite. Pharisaic adj. Pharisaical adj. Pharisaism n.
[ OE fariseus & OF pharise f. eccl.L pharisaeus f. Gk Pharisaios f. Aram. p' risayyâ pl. f. Heb. pars separated ]