PREVARICATE

v.

4 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
v.

To shift or turn from one side to the other, from the direct course, or from truth; to speak with equivocation; to shuffle; to quibble; as, he prevaricates in his statement. He prevaricates with his own understanding. South.

2.
v.

To collude, as where an informer colludes with the defendant, and makes a sham prosecution.

3.
v.

To undertake a thing falsely and deceitfully, with the purpose of defeating or destroying it.

4.
v.

To evade by a quibble; to transgress; to pervert. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.