Sadducee

American  

[saj-uh-see, sad-yuh-] / ˈsædʒ əˌsi, ˈsæd yə- /

noun

Judaism.

1. a member of a Palestinian sect, consisting mainly of priests and aristocrats, that flourished from the 1st century b.c. to the 1st century a.d. and differed from the Pharisees chiefly in its literal interpretation of the Bible, rejection of oral laws and traditions, and denial of an afterlife and the coming of the Messiah.

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Sadducee British  

/ ˈsædjʊˌsiː /

noun

1. Judaism a member of an ancient Jewish sect that was opposed to the Pharisees, denying the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels, and the validity of oral tradition

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Sadduceeism
  noun
• Sadducean
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Sadducee

before 1000; Middle English sadducees (plural), Old English saddūcēas < Late Latin saddūcaeī < Greek saddoukaîoi < Hebrew ṣədhūqī adherent of Zadok

Example Sentences

Again, humbler folk would retreat into wagon-ways or hug the walls to permit the passage of a Sadducee and his retinue, or a decurion and his squad—rank and power asserting their inexorable prerogative.

From Saul of Tarsus A Tale of the Early Christians by Miller, Elizabeth

She remained the same wicked, charming old Sadducee as before: her morocco-bound paroissien might appear on festivals and occasions; she still slept as often as not of nights with "Candide" under her pillow.

From A Comedy of Masks A Novel by Dowson, Ernest Christopher

I will hope, though something of a Sadducee, that there is an angel in their hearts.

From A Novelist on Novels by George, Walter Lionel

A Sadducee says, "The resurrection of the dead is a fable: the dry, scattered dust cannot live again."

From The Destiny of the Soul A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life by Alger, William Rounseville

Jerusalem was the headquarters of rabbinic learning and priestly arrogance—the home of the Pharisee and the Sadducee, who guided public opinion; and there, from first to last, He had made few adherents.

From The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ A Devotional History of our Lord's Passion by Stalker, James