pettifogger

[ˈpɛtɪfɒɡə]

pettifogger Definition

  • 1a person who quibbles or fusses over trifles, especially in a legal context
  • 2a dishonest lawyer who uses unethical methods to win cases

Using pettifogger: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pettifogger" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The judge was tired of listening to the pettifogger's arguments.

  • Example

    The opposing lawyer accused him of being a pettifogger.

  • Example

    He was known as a pettifogger who would do anything to win a case.

pettifogger Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pettifogger

Phrases with pettifogger

  • pettifogging details

    trivial or insignificant details that are given undue attention

    Example

    He spent hours arguing over pettifogging details instead of focusing on the main issue.

  • an excessive concern with minor legal details or technicalities

    Example

    The company's lawyers used pettifogging legalism to avoid paying compensation to the workers.

  • pettifogging tactics

    dishonest or unethical tactics used by a lawyer to win a case

    Example

    The pettifogging tactics used by the lawyer were exposed during the trial.

Origins of pettifogger

from the word 'petty' meaning small and 'fogger' meaning a 'huckster' or 'cheat'

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Summary: pettifogger in Brief

The term 'pettifogger' [ˈpɛtɪfɒɡə] refers to a person who quibbles or fusses over trifles, especially in a legal context. It can also refer to a dishonest lawyer who uses unethical methods to win cases. The term is often used in phrases like 'pettifogging details,' 'pettifogging legalism,' and 'pettifogging tactics,' which denote trivial or insignificant details, excessive concern with minor legal details or technicalities, and dishonest or unethical tactics used by a lawyer to win a case, respectively.