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

Dictionary Entries Near whited sepulcher

Cite this Entry

“Whited sepulcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whited%20sepulcher. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!