A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Garg
pharisaical, also pharisaic
PRONUNCIATION:
(far-uh-SAY-uh-kuhl)
MEANING:
adjective: Characterized by hypocritical self-righteousness; putting emphasis on strict observance of rituals unrelated to the spirit or meaning of the ceremony.
ETYMOLOGY:
After the Pharisees, a Jewish sect during 1st century BCE - 1st century CE, whose members were noted for strict observance of rites and rituals. The word is derived via Latin and Greek from Aramaic prishayya, plural of prish