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.