pettifogging

[ pet-ee-fog-ing, -faw-ging ]

adjective

1. insignificant; petty:

   pettifogging details.

2. dishonest or unethical in insignificant matters; meanly petty.

pettifogging

/ ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡɪŋ /

adjective

1. petty

   pettifogging details

2. mean; quibbling

   pettifogging lawyers

Word History and Origins

Origin of pettifogging¹

First recorded in 1570–80; pettifog, -ing ²

Example Sentences

He is only a pettifogging country Squire, whose views on the Land Question are ob-solete in tot-to.

From Project Gutenberg

Dare not say it is, or I will, upon the spot, divorce your pettifogging soul from your carrion carcass!

From Project Gutenberg

By conforming to the Laws of this Universe; instead of trying by pettifogging to evade and profitably contradict them.

From Project Gutenberg

I think you're nothing but a pettifogging lawyer—that there ain't no partner, and I'm no better'n a fool to talk to you.

From Project Gutenberg

The pettifogging objections to some social plan had very little chance of survival owing to the dynamic power of the reformers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• frivolous
• lesser
• minor
• narrow-minded