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

They will cry That I’m a pettifogger, fortune-hunter, A beggar.—And besides it were not well To leave her in distress.

From The Comedies of Terence by Colman, George