Pettifog
Pettifog , intransitive verb
[Petty + fog to pettifog.]
1.
To do a petty business as a lawyer; also, to do law business in a petty or tricky way.
He takes no money, but pettifogs gratis.
2.
To debate or quarrel over unimportant, trifling matters.
3.
To use subterfuge, deception, or flattery for any purpose; to practice chicanery.
Pettifog , transitive verb
To advocate like a pettifogger; to argue trickily; as, to pettifog a claim. [Colloquial]