pettifogging

American  

[pet-ee-fog-ing, -faw-ging] / ˈpɛt iˌfɒg ɪŋ, -ˌfɔ gɪŋ /

adjective

1. insignificant; petty.

   pettifogging details.

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

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pettifogging British  

/ ˈpɛtɪˌfɒɡɪŋ /

adjective

1. petty

   pettifogging details

2. mean; quibbling

   pettifogging lawyers

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Etymology

Origin of pettifogging

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

Example Sentences

Pettifogging: A term used by Chief Justice John Roberts while admonishing the House managers and Trump’s lawyers to respect the setting.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2020

Steering our course forwards the next day, we passed through Pettifogging, a country all blurred and blotted, so that I could hardly tell what to make on't.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

You Pettifogging Pedant Knaves, bring that Arnold matter to order, will you; you had better!—

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 21 by Carlyle, Thomas

The Public, doubtless, will, before long, undertake the much needed reform and abolish some of the unnecessary business of “judges’ chambers,” where the ingenuity of the Pettifogging Pleader is so marvellously displayed. 

From The Humourous Story of Farmer Bumpkin's Lawsuit by Harris, Richard

Pantagruel passed by the land of Pettifogging, and of the strange way of living among the Catchpoles.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

Related Words

• frivolous
• lesser
• minor
• narrow-minded