{ } a. [ L. Pharisaicus, Gr. Farisai:ko`s: cf. F. pharisaïque. See Pharisee. ] 1. Of or pertaining to the Pharisees; resembling the Pharisees. “The Pharisaic sect among the Jews.” Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Hence: Addicted to external forms and ceremonies; making a show of religion without the spirit of it; ceremonial; formal; hypocritical; self-righteous. “Excess of outward and pharisaical holiness.” Bacon. “Pharisaical ostentation.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] -- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Phar`i*sa"ic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] Variants: Pharisaic |