Definition of "pettifoggery" []

• The actions of a pettifogger; a trivial quarrel. (noun)

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• "This proves, according to Ezra, that conservative and Republican opposition to the current iteration of the individual mandate is just legal pettifoggery and political opportunism."
• "Of such squeamish pettifoggery are cultural declines made!"
• "Rehnquist's disdain for drawn-out cases and pettifoggery by lawyers is legendary."