Pettifog
/ˈpɛt.iˌfɒɡ/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick. intransitive
"Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary."
- 2 argue over petty things wordnet
- 3 To do a petty business as a lawyer, or carry out law business in a petty or tricky way. intransitive
"He is a common barreter for his pleasure, that takes no money, but pettifogs gratis."
Example
More examples"Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary."
Etymology
Back-formation from pettifogger.