pettyfogger

Definition

Someone who quibbles over trifles.

Example Sentences

• "[page 200] This Fellow, I ſay, ſtiled himſelf a Lawyer, but was indeed a moſt vile Petty-fogger, without Senſe or Knowledge of any Kind; one of thoſe who may be termed Train-bearers to the Law; [...] [page 206] The Pettyfogger now likewiſe departed, and then Jones deſired the favour of Mrs Whitefield’s Company to drink Tea with him; but ſhe refuſed, and with a Manner ſo different from that with which ſhe had received him at Dinner, that it a little ſurprized him."