Pharisee (noun)

1. A member of an ancient Jewish sect, the Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to traditional religious laws and customs.
2. A person who is excessively and hypocritically religious or moralistic.

Origin:

From hebrew פְּרוּשִׁים‎ (perushim, "separatists"), from פָּרַשְׁ‎ (parash, "to separat.e")

Examples:

1. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law.
2. He was criticized by his peers for being a pharisee.
3. The pharisees were opposed to Jesus teachings.
4. He was accused of being a pharisee because of his self-righteous attitude.
5. The pharisees were a powerful political and religious group in ancient Israel.