ἐρεςχηλέω

A. talk lightly, to be jocular, παίζειν καὶ ἐ. Pl. R. 545e, cf. Lg. 885c, Luc. DMort. 16.3, etc.: c. inf., discuss jocularly whether.., Philostr. VA 2.14.

II. trans., quiz, banter, τινα Pl. Phdr. 236b; τι Ath. 6.223e, etc.; tease, worry, Ael. NA 3.37, 15.22, Luc. Musc.Enc. 10: c. dat. pers., ὁ λόγος ἐ. νῷν Pl. Phlb. 53e.

2. c. acc. cogn., προφάσεις, πολέμου ἀφορμάς ἐ., find trifling excuses or occasions, App. Pun. 74, Mith. 64 ; cf. ἐρίσχηλος.