Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Quibble
Quib′ble
,Noun.
[Probably fr.
quib
, quip
, but influenced by quillet
, or quiddity
.] 1.
A shift or turn from the point in question; a trifling or evasive distinction; an evasion; a cavil.
Quibbles have no place in the search after truth.
I. Watts.
2.
A pun; a low conceit.
Quib′ble
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Quibbled
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Quibbling
.] 1.
To evade the point in question by artifice, play upon words, caviling, or by raising any insignificant or impertinent question or point; to trifle in argument or discourse; to equivocate.
2.
To pun; to practice punning.
Cudworth.
Syn. – To cavil; shuffle; equivocate; trifle.
Webster 1828 Edition
Quibble
QUIB'BLE
,Noun.
1.
A start or turn from the point in question, or from plain truth; an evasion; a cavil; a pretense; as, to answer a sound argument by quibbles.Quirks and quibbles have no place in the search after truth.
2.
A pun; a low conceit.QUIB'BLE
, v.i.1.
To evade the point in question, or plain truth, by artifice, play upon words, caviling or any conceit; to trifle in argument or discourse.2.
To pun.