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.
Bp.
Stillingfleet.
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.
Sir G. Buck.