The meaning of SANCTIMONY is holiness.

Righteousness accompanied by an unwarranted attitude of moral or social superiority; smug or hypocritical righteousness. [Obsolete French sanctimonie, from Latin sānctimōnia, …

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun sanctimony, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 18, 2025 · sanctimony (countable and uncountable, plural sanctimonies) A hypocritical form of excessive piety, considered to be an affectation merely for public show. quotations

SANCTIMONY definition: affected piety or righteousness; religious hypocrisy | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples

Righteousness accompanied by an unwarranted attitude of moral or social superiority; smug or hypocritical righteousness. [Obsolete French sanctimonie, from Latin s ā nctim ō nia, …

Sanctimony refers to a display of exaggerated righteousness or moral superiority, often in a way that is insincere or pretentious.

SANCTIMONY definition: pretended, affected, or hypocritical religious devotion, righteousness, etc. See examples of sanctimony used in a sentence.

Hypocritical piety or self-righteousness; a display of sanctimonious behavior. The term "sanctimony" derives from a combination of the Latin root "sanctus," meaning "holy" or …

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