pilpul

[ pil-pool ]

/ ˈpɪl pʊl /

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noun

a method of disputation among rabbinical scholars regarding the interpretation of Talmudic rules and principles or Scripture that involves the development of careful and often excessively subtle distinctions.

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Origin of pilpul

1890–95; <Aramaic, Hebrew pilpūl, akin to pilpēl to search, debate

OTHER WORDS FROM pilpul

pil·pul·ist, nounpil·pul·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby pilpul

pilot study, pilot waters, pilotweed, pilot whale, pilous, pilpul, Pils, Pilsen, Pilsner, Pilsudski, Piltdown man