noun / verb
chicane
The use of misleading arguments or procedures to gain an advantage.
The dispute drags on because of procedural chicane designed to delay a decision.
Etymology
The French verb concerns quibbling or evasive dispute. English preserves that strategy of gaining an advantage through misleading arguments or procedural maneuvers.
More examples
- The negotiator used chicane to avoid answering directly.
- They chicaned over technicalities instead of settling the claim.
- She accused the officials of chicaning to protect their advantage.
Forms
chicane · chicanes · chicaned · chicaning
Similar words
- deception
- Deception is broader; chicane suggests evasive arguments or procedural tricks.