pettifogger

For nearly three years now, I’ve been fascinated by the performance art of this blustering pettifogger.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2023

“The noun pettifogger has two main senses: ‘A lawyer whose methods are petty, underhanded, or disreputable; shyster’ and ‘one given to quibbling over trifles.’

From Washington Times ● Feb. 2, 2020

The verb was actually formed from the noun "pettifogger", which was used in the 16th Century to describe those who would argue over minor details in a fee.

From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2020

The learned editor apparently has a greater future as a pettifogger than as an attorney.

From Time Magazine Archive

Describing the pettifogger, Ward says, "He always talks with as great assurance as if he understood what he pretends to know; and always wears a band, in which lies his gravity and wisdom."

From A Book About Lawyers by Jeaffreson, John Cordy

This would still the voices of those pettifoggers who will protest that Oswald was not actually proved guilty in a court of law.

From Time Magazine Archive

Quoting from Thomas Jefferson's diary reference to "soliciting pettifoggers," Joe Stamper of Antlers, Okla., urged his fellow lawyers not to "equate legal services with soap and breakfast foods."

From Time Magazine Archive

There we saw some pettifoggers and catchpoles, rogues that will hang their father for a groat.

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

One of them when he saw the pettifoggers putting their heads together, and lamenting their sad lot, up comes he and says: "Did not I tell you the Saturnalia could not last for ever?"

From Apocolocyntosis by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus

Mourn, mourn, pettifoggers, ye venal crew, And you, minor poets, woe, woe is to you!

From Apocolocyntosis by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus