pettifog

Etymology

Back-formation from pettifogger.

verb

  1. To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick.
    Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary.
    [Deacon Mushrat to Pogo:] The Machiavellian barratry of a pettifogging public has maundered into do-nothingism. April 24 1959, Walt Kelly, Pogo, comic strip, page 35
  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.

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