v. i. [ L. tergiversatus, p. p. of tergiversari to turn one's back, to shift; tergum back + versare, freq. of vertere to turn. See Verse. ] To shift; to practice evasion; to use subterfuges; to shuffle. [ R. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. tergiversario: cf. F. tergiversation. ] 1. The act of tergiversating; a shifting; shift; subterfuge; evasion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Writing is to be preferred before verbal conferences, as being freer from passions and tergiversations. Abp. Bramhall. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fickleness of conduct; inconstancy; change. [ 1913 Webster ]

The colonel, after all his tergiversations, lost his life in the king's service. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] One who tergiversates; one who suffles, or practices evasion. [ 1913 Webster ]