συκοφαντία

A. vexatious or dishonest prosecution, chicane, barratry, blackmail, Lys. 4.14, 28.6 (pl.), X. HG 2.3.12, D. 18.249, Charondas ap.D.S. 12.12; ς. τοῖς πράγμασι προσάγειν employ chicane in the case, D. 19.98; τοῖς οἰκείοις ς. δέδωκεν has given them an opportunity for chicane, Id. 23.67, cf. POxy. 472.33 (ii A.D.); contrasted with φήμη, Aeschin. 2.145; [γραφὴ] συκοφαντίας Arist. Ath. 59.3; συκοφαντίας αὐτοῦ κατέγνωτε Lys. 13.65.

2. oppression, ς. πένητος LXX Ec. 5.7, cf. Ps. 118(119).134; extortion, PTeb. 43.36 (ii B.C.); τὸ τακτὸν εἰς τὸ πρόστιμον τῆς ς. PFlor. 6.6 (iii A.D.).

II. quibble, sophism, Arist. Rh. 1402a15, cf. EE 1221b7.