squabbling

noun

1. A petty argument or conflict.

   “Since the provinces declared their independence, broils and squabblings of one sort and another have greatly retarded the advancement which they might otherwise have made.”

   “And as for ancient history, I think a good share of that could be bonfired. Kings, Emperors, Popes, Doges, Consuls, Priests, Shahs, Pharoahs, and all their quarrels and squabblings, with the times and seasons of the same—what a fine blaze they would make, and it is the only fine thing they could make, as I count it.”

   “The foolish squabblings of old-wivish theologians over unimportant issues in Holy Writ, the sick frenzies of fanatical Catholics and Calvinists, the spiritual darkness of the Middle Ages and bygone centuries, none of these escape the whip of the author, who scourges them as the usurers driven from the Temple of God.”

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of squabble

   “The heating issue has helped to create an impression of constant squabbling in Scholz’s coalition, which has brought together parties that are not traditionally allies.”