pettifogger
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Merriam-Webster even reported that lookups for the word "pettifogger" spiked 30,800%.
From BBC • Jan. 22, 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
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
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
