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Synonyms

Holy Joe

American  

noun

Slang.
  1. a chaplain, especially in the U.S. armed forces.

  2. a minister or priest.

  3. a sanctimonious or overly pious person.


Holy Joe British  

noun

  1. a minister or chaplain

  2. any sanctimonious or self-righteous person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Holy Joe

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Under Senator "Holy Joe" Bailey's skillful direction it was polite and to the point.

From Time Magazine Archive

Jimmy" Walker had to pay 5¾% for money, "Holy Joe McKee got it for 5¼%.

From Time Magazine Archive

Holy Joe was a complete bear, even in his dealings with heaven.

From Time Magazine Archive

His father, a fiery Methodist known as "Holy Joe," used to tell him: "When I take a thing to prayer, I always succeed."

From Time Magazine Archive

Holy Joe, now alone on that deck so far as physical backing went, turned again to the mate.

From The Blood Ship by Springer, Norman

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