View synonyms for pettifogger

pettifogger

/ ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡə /

noun

a lawyer of inferior status who conducts unimportant cases, esp one who is unscrupulous or resorts to trickery
any person who quibbles or fusses over details

C16: from petty + fogger, of uncertain origin, perhaps from Fugger, name of a family (C15–16) of German financiers

Now, which was the best pedigree, that of the son of the pastry-cook, or that of the son of the pettifogger?

Thinking it well beneath me to measure words with this knavish pettifogger, I looked beyond him and spoke to his master.

A happy thought suggested itself—one worthy of the unscrupulous theological pettifogger that he is.

Pettifogger, pet′i-fog-ėr, n. a lawyer who practises only in paltry cases.

Anything can be proved by two false witnesses—thinks the pettifogger.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse