prevarication

n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The august tribunal of the skies, where no prevarication shall avail. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A secret abuse in the exercise of a public office. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]