Caviled: meaning, definitions and examples

legal context

To caviled is to raise trivial objections or to nitpick, often in a legal setting. This term signifies the act of making a minor complaint or quarrel about something that is generally accepted. It's commonly used when discussing debates or arguments where the focus is placed on insignificant aspects, rather than the main points at issue. While caviling can serve to clarify certain points, it can also lead to unnecessary complications in discussions.

haggle, nitpick, quibble, split hairs

Examples of usage

• The lawyer caviled at the evidence presented.

• They caviled about the wording of the contract.

• During the debate, he began to caviled over irrelevant details.

• The committee caviled over the minor regulations.