pilpul

American  

[pil-pool] / ˈpɪl pʊl /

noun

1. a method of disputation among rabbinical scholars regarding the interpretation of Talmudic rules and principles or Scripture that involves the development of careful and often excessively subtle distinctions.

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Other Word Forms

• pilpulist noun
• pilpulistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pilpul

1890–95; < Aramaic, Hebrew pilpūl, akin to pilpēl to search, debate

Example Sentences

“Tell me, Reuven”—that was the first time he had ever called me by my first name—“why is it pilpul? What is wrong with his explanation?”

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

I was suddenly a little frightened at the disparaging way I had uttered the word pilpul.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

At least the scholar had his pilpul to keep him alive.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

A later commentary tried to reconcile the three commentaries by the method of pilpul, the result being a happy one for someone who enjoyed pilpul but quite strained as far as I was concerned.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

The same process of reasoning which, spun out to its logical conclusion, led to pilpul in the schools, produced, when turned into the channel of religion, the over-piety culminating in the Shulhan 'Aruk.

From The Haskalah Movement in Russia by Raisin, Jacob S.