tergiversation

n. [ L. tergiversario: cf. F. tergiversation. ] 1. The act of tergiversating; a shifting; shift; subterfuge; evasion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Writing is to be preferred before verbal conferences, as being freer from passions and tergiversations. Abp. Bramhall. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fickleness of conduct; inconstancy; change. [ 1913 Webster ]

The colonel, after all his tergiversations, lost his life in the king's service. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]