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susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead. There being no room for equivocations, there is no need of distinctions. Locke.

ion, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.

Ambiguity of speech; equivocation. [R.]

Indicating, or characterized by, equivocation.

An equivocation; a guibble. B. Jonson.

Free from reserve, disguise, equivocation, or dissimulation; open; frank; sa, an ingenuous man; an ingenuous declaration, confession, etc. Sensible in myself . . . what a burden it is for me, who would be ingenuous, to be loaded with courtesies which he hath not the least hope to requite or deserve. Fuller.…

Oracular; of the nature of an oracle. [R.] "Equivocations, or oraculous speeches." Bacon. "The oraculous seer." Pope. -- O*rac"u*lous*ly, adv. -- O*rac"u*lous*ness, n.

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.

o different applications of a word present an odd or ludicrous idea; a kind of quibble or equivocation. Addison. A better put on this word was made on the Beggar's Opera, which, it was said, made Gay rich, and Rich gay. Walpole.

A subtilty; an equivocation. [Obs.] Shak. By some strange quiddit or some wrested clause. Drayton.

To change one's position; to shift ground; to evade questions; to resort to equivocation; to prevaricate. I muself, . . . hiding mine honor in my necessity, am fain to shuffle. Shak.

To imagine to be guilty, upon slight evidence, or without proof; as, to suspect one of equivocation.