cavillers

But we close the mouth of these impious cavillers by observing that this prediction, which appears so false in its literal meaning, is true in its spirit; that the whole world meant Judæa, and that the end of the world signified the reign of Titus and his successors.

A Philosophical Dictionary 2007

Yet there are not a few irrational people amongst these cavillers who, out of jealousy, would rather perish, thanks to their own baseness, than owe their lives to the virtue of their neighbours.

On Hunting 2007

These cavillers have not only doubted mine identity, although thus plainly proved, but they have impeached my veracity and the authenticity of my historical narratives!

The Heart of Mid-Lothian 2007

But let these cavillers and counterfeit Catos know, that as the

Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

Hence it is impossible, even in the most rigid, philosophic reasonings, so far to alter the bent and genius of the tongue we speak, as never to give a handle for cavillers to pretend difficulties and inconsistencies.

A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, by George Berkeley 2006

To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements.

Walden 2004

For the understanding, in spite of sensual cavillers, reserves to itself the privilege of conveying pure joy to the heart.

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman 2002

Moreover, what skill is necessary to defend the truth against gainsayers, and to deal with disputing cavillers, according to their several modes and case!

The Reformed Pastor 1615-1691 1974

Does the learned doctor mean to deny the universality of errors? does he mean to call the whole body of the learned and enlightened cavillers? and that because they are not willing to consent to his monstrous opinion?

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 17, No. 494, June 18, 1831 Various

The philosophic conclusion justly deducible from this view of God, let cavillers say what they will, is Optimism.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 08, June 1858 Various