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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Prevaricat, v. Also: -ate. P.t. -ated. P.p. -at(e. [e.m.E. prevaricate (1582), L. prævāricāt- p.p. stem of prævāricārī to walk crookedly, etc.] intr. a. To deviate from the right course of action, to transgress. b. To deviate from straightforwardness in speech, to speak evasively, to lie. —a. a1568 Bell. Bann. MS 1 a/24.
Man … Quha wes condempnit in the lymb to bie Fra he wes first in syn prevaricat [Bann. Dr. prevaricate] 1673 Justiciary Ct. Rec. II 164.
They find that the supplicant has prevaricat greatly in his office —b. 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i x §23 (1678) 104.
But because he had so grossely prevaricat, and had delated so many honest persons 1685 Rothesay Par. Rec. 59.
The session supposing she did prevaricate in alledging the father of her child, and fearing her to be decietfull [etc.] 1694 Cramond Kirk S. IV 27 Dec.
[He] found her lye & prevaricat in her answers 1694 Boharm Kirk S. 18 Feb.
Elspet Muile … prevaricated as to where she was