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Meaning of pettifog
The primary meaning of the word "pettifog" is to engage in petty or dishonest legal or business practices.
Etymology of pettifog
The word "pettifog" has its roots in the 15th century, derived from the Middle English words "petty" meaning small or insignificant, and "fog" or "fogger" meaning a lawyer who takes advantage of clients or uses dishonest practices.
Historically, the term was used to describe lawyers who would use deceitful or unscrupulous methods to win cases or swindle clients.
Synonyms
quibble
niggle
cavil
carp
whine
complain
grouse
grumble
murmur
mutter
haggle
bicker
squabble
wrangle
dispute
argue
debate
discuss
negotiate
bargain
huckster
peddle
swindle
cheat
deceive
trick
dupe
hoodwink
bamboozle
finagle
wheedle
cajole
coax
persuade
influence
manipulate
exploit
swindling
cheating
deceiving
tricking
duping
hoodwinking
bamboozling
finagling
wheedling
cajoling
coaxing
persuading
influencing
manipulating
exploiting
Definitions
- To engage in petty or dishonest legal or business practices, especially by manipulating words or using false arguments.
- * To quibble or cavil at something, especially in a petty or annoying way.
Usage Examples
- The lawyer was accused of pettifogging by using misleading language to confuse the jury.
- * The company was known for pettifogging by making false claims about their products.
Antonyms
honesty
integrity
fairness
justice
righteousness
morality
ethics
uprightness
straightforwardness
sincerity
candor
transparency
openness
trustworthiness
reliability
dependability
faithfulness
loyalty
honor
probity
rectitude
virtue
decency
respectability
legitimacy
lawfulness
legitimacy
justification
vindication
exoneration
acquittal