subs. (colloquial).—A hypocrite; a pretender. [From the character in Molière’s comedy.] Hence TARTUFFISH = hypocritically precise; and TARTUFFISM = hypocrisy.
1768. STERNE, A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy. She has some mother-in-law, or TARTUFISH aunt, or nonsensical old woman, to consult upon the occasion, as well as myself.
