'pharisaical' originates from Greek and Hebrew, specifically the Greek word 'Pharisaios' and the Hebrew root 'perush', where 'perush' meant 'separate (one)'.

'pharisaical' derived from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'Pharisaeus' and Old French forms referring to members of the Pharisees; English adopted 'Pharisee' and later formed the adjective 'pharisaical' to describe characteristics associated with that group.

Initially, it referred to a member of the Pharisees (a Jewish sect); over time it evolved to mean 'hypocritically self-righteous' or 'sanctimonious' in general usage.