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

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Tergiversation(e, n. [e.m.E. tergiversation (1570).] A turning or shifting; equivocation, prevarication. 1581 Burne Disput. 161.
Quhatsumeuer tergiuersatione he find, he vil be constranit to grant [etc.] 1609 Melvill 773.
This forme of deiling wes callit be the uthir sort, ‘tergiversatione of pollicie,’ ‘quarrelling the Generall Assembly,’ [etc.] 1609 Bk. Univ. Kirk III 1072. 1646 Gillespie Aarons Rod Blossoming To the reader.
If any shall so reply as to prevaricate and doe contrary to these just and reasonable demands, I must … call him to the Orders, and make his tergiversation to appear 1672 Lauder Jrnl. xxxvi.
The Chancelor's faint trinqueting and tergiversation for fear of displeasing Halton … has abated much of his reputation 1683 Sc. N. & Q. XI 109.
And that without any longer delays or tergiversations promised … to acknowledge his guilt