pettifog
pettifog · pettifogs · pettifogged · pettifogging
To quibble over trivial mattersTo quibble over trivial matters; nitpick.
/ˈpɛt.iˌfɒɡ/
Meaning
2 senses(intransitive)To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick.
Don't pettifog or we will soon grow weary.
(intransitive)To do a petty business as a lawyer, or carry out law business in a petty or tricky way.
More definitions
- argue over petty things
Translations
1 languagesOrigin
Back-formation from pettifogger.Back-formation from pettifogger.
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Forms
pettifogs, pettifogging, pettifogged, pettifogged| Base form | pettifog · to pettifog |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | pettifogs |
| Present participle | pettifogging |
| Past simple | pettifogged |
| Past participle | pettifogged |
irregular
Synonyms
5 synonymsWord family
3 related wordsDerivedpettifogulize
Lessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle