Pre*var`i*ca"tion (?), n. [L. praevaricatio: cf. F. pr'evarication.]
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) RomanLaw
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.