Pecksniffian
[pek-snif-ee-uh n]
- hypocritically and unctuously affecting benevolence or high moral principles.
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Sometimes Peck·sniff·ish.
Origin of Pecksniffian
1850–55; named after Seth Pecksniff, character in Martin Chuzzlewit, a novel (1843) by Dickens; see -ian
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for pecksniffery
humbug, sanctimoniousness, show, pretense, hypocrisy, insincerity, pretentiousness, sanctimony, pomposity, deceit, dishonesty, pecksnifferyPecksniffian
- affecting benevolence or high moral principles
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Word Origin for Pecksniffian
C19: after Seth Pecksniff, character in Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit (1843)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for pecksniffery
Pecksniffian
1851, after Mr. Pecksniff, unctuous hypocrite in Dickens' "Martin Chuzzlewit" (1844).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper