E*quiv"o*cate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Equivocated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Equivocating.] [L. aequivocatus, p. p. of aequivocari to be called by the same name, fr. L. aequivocus: cf. F. équivoquer. See Equivocal, a.] To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.

All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate.

Syn. -- To prevaricate; evade; shuffle; quibble. See Prevaricate.

E*quiv"o*cate (?), v. t. To render equivocal or ambiguous.

He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation.

• (intransitive): To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.
       All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate. -Bp. Stillingfleet.
  
• To render equivocal or ambiguous.
       He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. -Sir G. Buck.