PETTIFOGGERY Meaning and
Definition
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Pettifoggery is a noun that refers to the practice of petty or trivial legal tactics often employed by unscrupulous lawyers or individuals in an attempt to deceive or confuse others, especially in legal proceedings. This term is derived from the combination of two words: "pettifog" meaning to quibble or argue over insignificant details, and "fog" suggesting the creation of confusion or obfuscation.
The concept of pettifoggery is closely associated with lawyers or individuals who engage in misleading or underhanded tactics, such as raising inconsequential objections, utilizing illogical arguments, or taking advantage of technicalities to gain an unfair advantage. It implies a focus on minor or irrelevant issues, often at the expense of addressing the central arguments or merits of a case.
Pettifoggery may involve excessive nitpicking, deliberate evasiveness, or the exploitation of procedural loopholes with the intention of wasting time or resources, hindering opponents, or confusing the court or jury. This term conveys a negative connotation, reflecting a lack of ethical standards or professional integrity on the part of those who engage in such tactics.
Overall, pettifoggery is a term used to describe the unscrupulous and manipulative practices employed by certain individuals, particularly lawyers, who prioritize deceptive strategies and trivialities over the pursuit of justice or reasonable resolution.
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The practice or the acts of a pettifogger; tricks; quibbles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PETTIFOGGERY
Etymology of PETTIFOGGERY
The word "pettifoggery" comes from the combination of two words: "petty" and "fogger". "Petty" refers to something small, trivial, or of little importance, while "fogger" was a term used to describe a lawyer or person who manipulated facts and arguments to deceive others. According to etymologists, the word "fogger" likely originated from the English dialect word "fog", which means "to cheat" or "to confuse". Over time, "fogger" evolved into "pettifogger", creating the term "pettifoggery" to denote the practices and behavior of a petty, deceptive lawyer. The term dates back to the early 18th century and has since been used to describe dishonest or unethical legal tactics.
Similar spelling words for PETTIFOGGERY
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