pharisee

phar·i·see  (fr-s)

n.

1. Pharisee A member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form.

2. A hypocritically self-righteous person.

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[Middle English pharise, from Old English fariseus and from Old French pharise, both from Late Latin pharsaeus, from Greek pharsaios, from Aramaic priayy, pl. of pri, separate, from pra, to separate; see pr in Semitic roots.]

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Pharisee

Noun

1. a member of an ancient Jewish sect teaching strict observance of Jewish traditions

2. (often not cap) a self-righteous or hypocritical person [Hebrew pārūsh separated]

Pharisaic adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	pharisee - a self-righteous or sanctimonious person disagreeable person, unpleasant person - a person who is not pleasant or agreeable
	2.	Pharisee - a member of an ancient Jewish sect noted for strict obedience to Jewish traditions Jew, Hebrew, Israelite - a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties