sea lawyer

a sailor inclined to question or complain about the orders given.

Origin of sea lawyer

First recorded in 1805–15

The sea-lawyer always was and always will be a pest on land, and a source of mischief and danger on the sea.

Windjammers and Sea Tramps |Walter Runciman
As the sea-lawyer had said, the evidence was all against him.

Dutch Courage and Other Stories |Jack London
In such manner John Lewis, commonly known as the "sea-lawyer," settled the matter out of hand.

Dutch Courage and Other Stories |Jack London
I must get rid of this sea-lawyer instantly, or worse will come of it.

The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI |Robert Louis Stevenson

"I am no lawyer, not even a sea-lawyer," I answered, wondering what he was driving at.

Up the River |Oliver Optic

sea lawyer

nautical slang a contentious seaman