Synonyms for pettifogger

Grammar : Noun

Spell : pet-ee-fog, -fawg

Phonetic Transcription : ˈpɛt iˌfɒg, -ˌfɔg

Top 10 synonyms for pettifogger

Other synonyms for the word pettifogger

Définition of pettifogger

Origin : 1560s, from petty; the second element possibly from obsolete Dutch focker, from Flemish focken "to cheat," or from cognate Middle English fugger, from Fugger the renowned family of merchants and financiers of 15c.-16c. Augsburg. In German, Flemish and Dutch, the name became a word for "monopolist, rich man, usurer."
A 'petty Fugger' would mean one who on a small scale practices the dishonourable devices for gain popularly attributed to great financiers; it seems possible that the phrase 'petty fogger of the law,' applied in this sense to some notorious person, may have caught the popular fancy. [OED first edition, in a rare burst of pure speculation]
However, OED also calls attention to pettifactor "legal agent who undertakes small cases" (1580s), which, though attested slightly later, might be the source of this. Related: Pettifoggery.

As in shyster : noun unscrupulous lawyer; swindler
As in ambulance chaser : noun unethical lawyer
As in caviler : noun critic
As in impostor : noun person pretending to be something else

Example sentences :

Bear witness, I pray you all,” said the Pettifogger, “as to what the knave called me.
Extract from : « The Sleeping Bard » by Ellis Wynne

I never said you were a pettifogger, or a scoundrel; but I did say you were little Else.
Extract from : « The Jest Book » by Mark Lemon

He was a pettifogger; their (the Smiths') cat-paw to do their dirty work.
Extract from : « The Story of the Mormons » by William Alexander Linn

Now which was the best pedigree, that of the son of the pastry-cook, or that of the son of the pettifogger?
Extract from : « The Romany Rye » by George Borrow

Now, which was the best pedigree, that of the son of the pastry-cook, or that of the son of the pettifogger?
Extract from : « The Romany Rye » by George Borrow

Anything can be proved by two false witnesses—thinks the pettifogger.
Extract from : « Plays--First Series » by August Strindberg

In the first place, the pettifogger made a large haul for his services.
Extract from : « Handy Andy, Volume 2 (of 2) » by Samuel Lover

He is akin to the street boy in his habits, and to the pettifogger by fate.
Extract from : « Colonel Chabert » by Honore de Balzac

My opponent was what was known in the States as a pettifogger.
Extract from : « Memoirs of Orange Jacobs » by Orange Jacobs

He perhaps mistakes me for what you call a—a pettifogger, is it not?
Extract from : « A Daughter of the Dons » by William MacLeod Raine

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019