Pre*var`i*ca"tion (?), 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.

The august tribunal of the skies, where no prevarication shall avail.

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.

• to knowingly lie by evasiveness or quibbling
  
• secretive or sneaky banter meant to conceal truth
       
• The people saw the politician prevaricate every day.
  
• A lie, or bending of the truth
       
• Prevarication became the order of the day in his government while truth was a stranger in those halls.