quibble
noun
- plot device
verb
- to argue or complain about something that is not important
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈkwɪbəl/
noun
Etymology: Origin uncertain. Possibly from quib (“quibble”, noun) + -le (diminutive ending). Quib is probably from Latin quibus (“in what respect? how?”), which appeared frequently in legal documents and came to be suggestive of the verbosity and petty argumentation found therein; or perhaps an alteration of quip. Alternatively, perhaps related to dialectal Dutch kwebbelen (“to speak quickly and continuously, chatter”). Compare also Scots wheebele (“a quibble”).
- An argument or objection based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint.
“He harped on his quibble about how the dark red paint should be described as carmine rather than burgundy.”
“Quibbles […]have no place in the search after truth.”
- A pun.
“Is it a quibble, or play upon words?”
“This is a quibble between council and counsel. The latter word is still used to imply secrecy; as in the phrase, "keep your own counsel."”
verb
Etymology: Origin uncertain. Possibly from quib (“quibble”, noun) + -le (diminutive ending). Quib is probably from Latin quibus (“in what respect? how?”), which appeared frequently in legal documents and came to be suggestive of the verbosity and petty argumentation found therein; or perhaps an alteration of quip. Alternatively, perhaps related to dialectal Dutch kwebbelen (“to speak quickly and continuously, chatter”). Compare also Scots wheebele (“a quibble”).
- To complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner.
“They are constantly quibbling over insignificant details.”
““Oh, if you talk in that sense!” said Mr. Standish, with as much disgust at such non-legal quibbling as a man can well betray towards a valuable client.”
- To contest, especially some trivial issue in a petty manner.
“The customer quibbled the bill.”