pu·ri·tan·i·cal \-nə̇kəl, -nēk-\adjective Etymology:puritan (I) + -ical 1.often capitalized: of or relating to the Puritans or their doctrines and practice 2.: manifesting the influence of puritan beliefs or practices : morally rigorous : strict < a puritanical woman > < strict puritanical restraint > • pu·ri·tan·i·cal·ly\-nə̇k(ə)lē, -nēk-, -li\adverb • pu·ri·tan·i·cal·ness\-nə̇kəlnə̇s, -nēk-\noun-es