Meaning
To criticise for petty or frivolous reasons.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
From Old French caviller (“mock, jest, rail”), from Latin cavillor (“jeer, mock, satirise, reason captiously”), from cavilla (“jeering, raillery, scoffing”); cognate with Italian cavillare, Portuguese cavillar, and Spanish cavilar; nominal usage developed within English from the original verbal usage.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles: