'Pettifog' definitions:
Definition of 'pettifog'
(from WordNet)
Definition of 'Pettifog'
From: GCIDE
- Pettifog \Pet"ti*fog\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Pettifogged; p. pr. & vb. n. Pettifogging.] [Petty + fog to pettifog.]
- 1. To do a petty business as a lawyer; also, to do law business in a petty or tricky way. "He takes no money, but pettifogs gratis." --S. Butler. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To debate or quarrel over unimportant, trifling matters. [PJC]
- 3. To use subterfuge, deception, or flattery for any purpose; to practice chicanery. [PJC]
Definition of 'Pettifog'
From: GCIDE
- Pettifog \Pet"ti*fog\, v. t. To advocate like a pettifogger; to argue trickily; as, to pettifog a claim. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'pettifog'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- argue,
- argufy,
- bandy words,
- bicker,
- carp,
- catch at straws,
- cavil,
- choplogic,
- contend,
- contest,
- cross swords,
- cut and thrust,
- cut up,
- discept,
- dispute,
- fault-find,
- find fault,
- give and take,
- hassle,
- have it out,
- join issue,
- lock horns,
- logomachize,
- moot,
- nitpick,
- pick holes,
- pick to pieces,
- plead,
- polemicize,
- polemize,
- pull apart,
- pull to pieces,
- quibble,
- spar,
- take exception,
- take sides,
- tear apart,
- tear to pieces,
- thrash out,
- try conclusions,
- wrangle