prevarication Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
    lie.
  2. noun intentionally vague or ambiguous
    equivocation; evasiveness.
  3. noun the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
    fabrication; lying.

WordNet

Pre*var`i*ca"tion noun
Etymology
L. praevaricatio: cf. F. prévarication.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913