GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Pettifog (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Pettifogged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pettifogging (?).] [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.”  S. Butler.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
   2. To debate or quarrel over unimportant, trifling matters.
   
   [PJC]
   
   
   3. To use subterfuge, deception, or flattery for any purpose; to practice chicanery.
   
   [PJC]
   
   
         
       

2.       
   Pettifog, v. t. To advocate like a pettifogger; to argue trickily; as, “to pettifog a claim”. [Colloq.]
   
   [1913 Webster]