noun
clever use of words to advance an argument; tricky manipulation of law
Refers to using language skillfully, often with a negative connotation of twisting words or legal provisions to one's advantage. Relatively rare and literary.
彼の弁護は舞文に過ぎないと批判された。
His defense was criticized as nothing more than a clever manipulation of words.
その法律家は舞文を弄して依頼人を勝たせた。
The lawyer used tricky manipulation of the law to win for his client.
Composed of 舞 (dance, manipulate) and 文 (writing, text). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound suggests the idea of 'dancing with words' or skillfully manipulating written language.