THE FIRST WORD

equivocate

PRONUNCIATION:

(i-KWIV-uh-kayt) 

MEANING:

verb intr.: To be vague or ambiguous, especially in order to mislead.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin aequi-/equi- (equal) + vocare (to call), from vox (voice). Earliest documented use: 1590.

USAGE:

"The bishop equivocates and wrings his fat hands and procrastinates."
Susan Wiggs; At the Queen's Summons; Harlequin; 2012.