odor of sanctity

Idioms  

1. Exaggerated or hypocritical piety, an assumption of moral superiority, as in This candidate puts off some voters with his odor of sanctity. This expression, originating in the medieval idea that the dead body of a saintly individual gives off a sweet smell, was used to describe saintliness in the mid-1700s. Today it is generally used ironically.

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Example Sentences

Then she realizes as she pictures a death in the odor of sanctity that she really does love Jimmy after all.

From Time Magazine Archive

As . . . an erratic old gentleman who wishes to die in the odor of sanctity, permit me to hit the sawdust trail.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then will waft about the world, to the Pope willingly immured in Rome, a mighty odor of sanctity.

From Time Magazine Archive

Most recent candidate, introduced in Rome by Canon Mugnier from Paris, is Anne de Guigne who "died in the odor of sanctity at the age of 11" in 1922.

From Time Magazine Archive

In due time Luigi joined the Company of Jesus, renounced this world, and died at Rome in the odor of sanctity, after doing such good works as surprised every one.

From Italian Journeys by Howells, William Dean