Definition of Pettifoggery

1. Noun. A quarrel about petty points.

Exact synonyms: Bicker, Bickering, Fuss, Spat, Squabble, Tiff
Generic synonyms: Dustup, Quarrel, Row, Run-in, Words, Wrangle
Derivative terms: Bicker, Fussy, Pettifog, Spat, Squabble

Definition of Pettifoggery

1. n. The practice or arts of a pettifogger; disreputable tricks; quibbles.

Definition of Pettifoggery

1. Noun. The actions of a pettifogger; a trivial quarrel. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pettifoggery

1. [n -RIES]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pettifoggery

pettichaps
petticoat
petticoated
petticoating
petticoatless
petticoats
pettier
petties
pettiest
pettifog
pettifoged
pettifogged
pettifogger
pettifoggeries
pettifoggers
pettifoggery (current term)
pettifogging
pettifoggings
pettifoging
pettifogs
pettifogulize
pettily
pettiness
pettinesses
petting zoo
pettings
pettish
pettishly
pettishness

Literary usage of Pettifoggery

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Crabb's English Synonyms by George Crabb (1917)
"pettifoggery comes from pettifogger, a legal practitioner of inferior status who gets up or conducts petty cases. Apart from this suggestion of particular ..."

2. Reports of Cases Decided in the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon by Oregon Supreme Court (1920)
"It is quite impossible definitely to fix the boundary between pettifoggery on one hand and proper cross-examination on the other, so as to govern all cases ..."

3. Judicial and Statutory Definitions of Words and Phrases by West Publishing Company (1914)
"pettifoggery "pettifoggery" Is unprofessional practice unworthy of an officer of the law charged with the duty of aiding in the administration of Justice, ..."

4. The Ego and His Own by Max Stirner, Steven Tracy Byington (1913)
"It was with pettifoggery and intrigues that Greek liberty ended. ... What then is pettifoggery but a way of utilizing something established without doing ..."

5. Debate on Trusts, Between O.C. Barber and Hon. J.A. Kohler, ...: Also the by Ohio Columbus Barber, J. A. Kohler, Washington Gladden, George Gunton, James McGee (1889)
"You are too dusty in your pettifoggery. I have not denied that such laws as you ... The average reader will notice stupid pettifoggery, and will pronounce ..."

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