tergiversation

verb (used without object), ter·gi·ver·sat·ed, ter·gi·ver·sat·ing.

1. to change repeatedly one’s attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.
2. to turn renegade.

verb (intr)

1. to change sides or loyalties; apostatize
2. to be evasive or ambiguous; equivocate

n.turning dishonestly from a straightforward action or statement; shifting, shuffling, equivocation, 1560s, from Latin tergiversationem (nominative tergiversatio) “a shifting, evasion,” from past participle stem of tergiversari “turn one’s back on, evade,” from tergum “the back” (of unknown origin) + versare “to spin, turn” (see versus). v.1650s, from Latin tergiversatus, past participle of tergiversari “be evasive,” literally “to turn one’s back” (see tergiversation). Related: Tergiversated; tergiversating.