Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prevarication
Pre-varˊi-ca′tion
,Noun.
[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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prevarication
PREVARICA'TION
,Noun.
1.
In the civil law, the collusion of an informer with the defendant, for the purpose of making a sham prosecution.2.
In common law, a seeming to undertake a thing falsely or deceitfully, for the purpose of defeating or destroying it.3.
A secret abuse in the exercise of a public office or commission.