Category:Prevarication

Pre*var`i*ca"tion, n. Etym: [l. praevaricatio: cf. F. prévarication.]

1. The act of prevaricating, shuffling, or quibbling, to evade the Truth or the disclosure of truth; a deviation from the truth and fair Dealing. The august tribunal of the skies, where no prevarication shall avail. Cowper.

2. A secret abuse in the exercise of a public office.

3. (law) (a) (roman law) the collusion of an informer with the defendant, for The purpose of making a sham prosecution. (b) (common law) a false or deceitful seeming to undertake a thing For the purpose of defeating or destroying it. Cowell.