whited sepulcher

noun

: a person inwardly corrupt or wicked but outwardly or professedly virtuous or holy : hypocrite

Word History

Etymology

from the simile in Matthew 23:27

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whited sepulcher was in 1530

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Cite this Entry

“Whited sepulcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whited%20sepulcher. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

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