Pettifog /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Pettifogged; p. pr. & vb. n. Pettifogging

1. To do a petty business as a lawyer; also, to do law business in a petty or tricky way.
2. To debate or quarrel over unimportant, trifling matters.
3. To use subterfuge, deception, or flattery for any purpose; to practice chicanery.

1. To advocate like a pettifogger; to argue trickily; as, to pettifog a claim. [Colloq.]