pettifog

English

Etymology

Back-formation from pettifogger.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈpɛt.iˌfɒɡ/, X-SAMPA: /"pEt.i.fQg/

Verb

pettifog (third-person singular simple present pettifogs, present participle pettifogging, simple past and past participle pettifogged)

1. To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick

   Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary.

2. To do a petty business as a lawyer, or carry out law business in a petty or tricky way.
   • S. Butler

     He is a common barreter for his pleasure, that takes no money, but pettifogs gratis.

Synonyms

• See Wikisaurus:squabble

Related terms

• pettifogger