Phār'i-sā'ic or Phār'i-sā'ic-al, a.
a. [Lat. Pharisaicus, Gr. φαρισαϊκός, Fr. Pharisaïque. See PHARISEE.]
Sense 1. Pertaining to, or resembling, the Pharisees. “The Pharisaic sect amongst the Jews.” Cudworth.
Sense 2. Hence, addicted to external forms and ceremonies; making a show of religion without the spirit of it; hypocritical; as, Pharisaic holiness. “Pharisaical notions of superior wisdom and superior virtue.” Sydney Smith.
The causes of superstition are pleasing and sensual rites, excess of outward and Pharisaical holiness, over-great reverence of traditions, which can not but lead the church. Bacon.