pharisee

/ˈfɛrəsi/
noun
  1. A member of an ancient Jewish group known for strict observance of religious laws and traditions.
    • In the New Testament, Jesus often debated with the Pharisees about religious practices.
    • Historians study the Pharisees to understand Jewish life in the first century.
    • The Pharisees were known for their detailed interpretation of the Torah.
  2. A person who is self-righteous or hypocritical, pretending to be morally superior.
    • The politician was a pharisee, talking about family values while ignoring his own scandals.
    • She called him a pharisee for preaching about charity but never donating a cent.
    • My boss acts like a pharisee, always lecturing us about honesty while cutting corners himself.
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