pillar-biter

English

Detail of the 1559 painting Netherlandish Proverbs, depicting a man so intensely pretending to be pious that he embraces a church pillar

Etymology

An old Dutch expression, used since at least the 16th century. No longer in common use.

Noun

pillar-biter (plural pillar-biters)

1. A hypocrite, especially a religious hypocrite

Translations

Religious hypocrite

• French: grenouille de bénitier (fr) (lit., "blessed water font frog" ; does not denote hypocrisy, but excessive devotion)
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