quibble

QUIB'BLE, n.

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.