quib

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Quibbles have no place in the search after truth. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A pun; a low conceit. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To pun; to practice punning. Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To cavil; shuffle; equivocate; trifle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who quibbles; a caviler; also, a punster. [ 1913 Webster ]