Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pharisee \Phar"i*see\ (f[a^]r"[i^]*s[=e]), n. [L. Pharisaeus,
   Gr. Farisai^os, from Heb. p[=a]rash to separate.]
   One of a sect or party among the Jews, noted for a strict and
   formal observance of rites and ceremonies and of the
   traditions of the elders, and whose pretensions to superior
   sanctity led them to separate themselves from the other Jews.

Source : WordNet®

pharisee
     n 1: a self-righteous or sanctimonious person
     2: a member of an ancient Jewish sect noted for strict
        obedience to Jewish traditions