Quib"ble (?), n. [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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Quib"ble, v. 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 1913.