palter
UK[ˈpɔːltə]US[ˈpɔːltər]
v
To act or speak insincerely or deceitfully; to trifle with something important.
v
To haggle or bargain in a petty or tricky manner.
Etymology
The origin of 'palter' is obscure, though it first appeared in English in the mid-1500s. It is possibly a frequentative verb formation, similar to 'chatter' or 'clatter', suggesting a repetitive or trivial action. Some scholars tentatively link it to the obsolete noun 'paltry,' meaning 'rubbish' or 'trash,' implying behavior that is morally worthless or trifling. Over time, its meaning crystallized around the specific concepts of deceitful equivocation and petty bargaining, capturing a sense of dishonest triviality.
Analysis
The word 'palter' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely entering English in the 16th century. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
He would not palter with the truth, even under pressure.
The two sides spent hours paltering over the minor clauses of the contract.
Do not palter with me; give me a straight answer.