Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pecksniff

noun

/ˈpɛkˌnɪf/

Definition

A person who is hypocritically affecting benevolence or high moral principles.

Examples

Despite his pecksniff demeanor, many found him to be insincere and self-serving.
Her pecksniff attitude during the charity event was transparent, as she only seemed interested in her own reputation.

Meaning

The term derives from the character Seth Pecksniff in Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’, and it refers to someone who pretends to be more virtuous or benevolent than they really are.