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.
His defense was criticized as nothing more than a clever manipulation of words.
The lawyer used tricky manipulation of the law to win for his client.
twisting the truth in writing; distorting facts with fancy prose
A Sino-Japanese word derived from the Classical Chinese expression 舞文, “to manipulate written wording,” especially legal texts, for argumentative or dishonest ends.