Pecksniffian

[ pek-snif-ee-uhn ]

adjective

, (often lowercase)

1. hypocritically and unctuously affecting benevolence or high moral principles.

Pecksniffian

/ pɛkˈsnɪfɪən /

adjective

1. affecting benevolence or high moral principles

Other Words From

• Pecksniff·er·y Peck·sniffi·an·ism Pecksniff·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pecksniffian¹

1850–55; named after Seth Pecksniff, character in Martin Chuzzlewit, a novel (1843) by Dickens; -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pecksniffian¹

C19: after Seth Pecksniff, character in Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit (1843)

Example Sentences

Of course, one should be cautious here, so as not to seem merely puritanical or Pecksniffian.

From Project Gutenberg

He was, after a fashion, a Pecksniffian man, this Henry Ham.

From Project Gutenberg

He posed as the Pecksniffian leader of Reform and the reform he advocated always meant the lash for the man who toils.

From Project Gutenberg

At all events, Philadelphia is the most pecksniffian of American cities, and thus probably leads the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Piety was certainly hers, in a Pecksniffian sense, but the commercial instinct leavened the loaf.

From Project Gutenberg