odor of sanctity

1

: a fragrance held to proceed from the person, clothing, or domicile of a saint during life or after death

died in the odor of sanctity and … was canonized

—Charles Speroni

2

a

: an appearance of or reputation for goodness and righteousness

the odor of sanctity that seemed to cling about his every utterance

—Kenneth Roberts

b

: sanctimoniousness

Word History

Etymology

translation of Medieval Latin odor sanctitatis

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