tartuffe

also n.
A hypocrite, especially one who affects religious piety.

[After the protagonist of Tartuffe, a play by Molière.]

tartuffery tar·tuf'fe·ry n.

(tahr-TOOF)

noun
A hypocrite who feigns virtue, especially in religious matters.

Etymology
After the main character in Tartuffe, a play by Molière, pen name of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). As if to prove themselves, the religious authorities in Paris had the play banned soon after it was introduced

Usage
"Tony Blair is like Harold Wilson, an empty vessel whose strength derives from his emptiness. (Religion is so often a substitute for depth.) Because he is a Tartuffe who does not really believe in anything, he is brilliant at seizing advantage; when he can't manipulate events, he surfs over them." — A.N. Wilson; Further Trials of Teflon Tony; The Evening Standard (London, UK); May 19, 2003.

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also tartufe

noun

A person who practices hypocrisy: hypocrite, pharisee, phony. See honest/dishonest.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a hypocrite who pretends to religious piety (after the protagonist in a play by Moliere)
  Synonym: Tartufe

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