Is there a word or phrase for describe the action (or the actor) of pursuing a losing argument,not conceding any points, but rather trying to win on legalisms or pedantry?
I don't mean starting out on pedantic points, but from a sincere position, which, through the course of the argument, became clearly untenable, with the other side clearly more persuasive on its merits. But the proponent, instead of conceding, instead switches tactics and tries to score points against the other side about legalism, minor mistakes, etc., tries to make their argument as presentable as possible, etc. Basically going through the motions of arguing, and doing it well, but not actually conceding.
Best Answer
There's also quibble, which is very similar. But I think that more strongly implies avoiding the main issue by focusing on minor details, so it doesn't work very well if the subject has already effectively ceded the main argument, and is simply stringing out nitpicky details (often it's little more than a way of showing that the person is unhappy about losing the argument).