prevaricate (verb) –
to deviate from the truth
Source : Online Etymology Dictionary
Etymology : 1580s, “to go aside from the right course or mode of action” (originally figurative, now obsolete), a back formation from prevarication or else from Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari “to make a sham accusation, deviate” (from the path of duty), literally “walk crookedly;” in Church Latin, “to transgress.” The meaning “to act or speak evasively, swerve from the truth” is from 1630s.
If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.
