Pettifogger (Noun)
Meaning 1
A person (especially a lawyer or politician) who uses unscrupulous or unethical methods.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The ambitious lawyer was labeled a pettifogger by his opponents after it was revealed he had hidden key evidence from the jury to secure a conviction.
- In his acceptance speech, the mayor-elect promised to reform the local government, calling out several current officials as pettifoggers who only looked out for themselves.
- Many constituents view their congressman as a pettifogger who makes false promises on the campaign trail, but consistently votes along party lines despite local concerns.
- During cross-examination, the opposing lawyer skillfully portrayed his counterpart as a pettifogger by pointing out discrepancies in her witness's testimonies and evidence submitted to the court.
- Throughout her trial, it became increasingly apparent that the prosecution was employing tactics akin to a pettifogger, knowingly subverting the pursuit of justice in an effort to advance their own careers.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A disputant who quibbles; someone who raises annoying petty objections.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.