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.
Cowper.
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.