Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The doctrines and practices of the Pharisees.
  • noun Hypocritical observance of the letter of religious or moral law without regard for the spirit; sanctimoniousness.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Pharisaic doctrine and practice; zeal for the ‘traditions of the elders,” and the exact observance of the ritual laws; hence, rigid observance of external rites and forms of religion without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The notions, doctrines, and conduct of the Pharisees, as a sect.
  • noun Rigid observance of external forms of religion, without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion; a censorious, self-righteous spirit in matters of morals or manners.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The doctrines and practices, or the character and spirit, of the Pharisees
  • noun Rigid observance of external forms of religion, without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion; a censorious, self-righteous spirit in matters of morals or manners.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Was this change wrought by the ascetic habits of a pharisaism which is not piety any more than avarice is economy?

    A Second Home 2007

  • Was this change wrought by the ascetic habits of a pharisaism which is not piety any more than avarice is economy?

    A Second Home 2007

  • Was this change wrought by the ascetic habits of a pharisaism which is not piety any more than avarice is economy?

    A Second Home Honor�� de Balzac 1824

  • As the Holy Father has stated and witnesses to us, the external forms of the liturgy are not inconsequent or mere pharisaism rather they are of great importance for the experiential in teaching and passing on the Faith.

    The Sacred Liturgy: The First School of the Faith 2009

  • Doesn't work - that just becomes a kind of pharisaism.

    Mind The Gap James F. McGrath 2010

  • Tortured readings of plain words, resort to theories of signification and implication worthy of Leo Strauss, hints of pharisaism, and more than hints of triumphalism—all these are to be found in comments by Jordanes and Mr. DeLano.

    Clarification 2009

  • It has nothing to do with pharisaism and much to do with the pseudo dogma of collegiality.

    Banning even the DISCUSSION of the Motu Proprio? 2009

  • Tortured readings of plain words, resort to theories of signification and implication worthy of Leo Strauss, hints of pharisaism, and more than hints of triumphalism—all these are to be found in comments by Jordanes and Mr. DeLano.

    Clarification 2009

  • It is interesting that in the midst of dealing with pharisaism Jesus would solidly address

    Think Progress » Bush Meets Privately With Think Tank Promoting Military Strike On Iran 2006

  • Hardly shall we find a person merely under the power of the law, who does not evidence an indulgence unto some sin, and a neglect of some duties: but such a thing there may be; it was in Paul, in his pharisaism, — he was, “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless,” Phil. iii.

    Gospel Grounds and Evidences of the Faith of God���s Elect 1616-1683 1965

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