To quibble over trivial matters; nitpick.
(ux)
(quote-book)|page=35|publisher=comic strip|isbn=978-1-68396-243-4
To do a petty business as a lawyer, or out law business in a petty or tricky way.
(rfdatek)
- He is a common barreter for his pleasure, that takes no money, but pettifogs gratis.