pettifog
/ˈpɛtiˌfɔɡ/
verb
- To argue about unimportant details, especially in a legal or formal setting, in a way that is meant to confuse or delay.
- During the meeting, he would pettifog about minor expenses to avoid discussing the budget cuts.
- The lawyer tried to pettifog over the wording of the contract instead of addressing the main issue.
- She accused her opponent of trying to pettifog the debate with irrelevant points.