Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary -- Volume DE

E·quiv"o·cal, n. A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.

In languages of great ductility, equivocals like that just referred to are rarely found.
Fitzed. Hall.

E·quiv"o·cal·ly, adv. In an equivocal manner.

E·quiv"o·cal·ness, n. The state of being equivocal.

E·quiv"o·cate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Equivocated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Equivocating.] [L. aequivocatus, p. p. of aequivocari to be called by the same name, fr. L. aequivocus: cf. F. équivoquer. See Equivocal, a.] To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.

All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate.
Bp. Stillingfleet.

Syn. -- To prevaricate; evade; shuffle; quibble. See Prevaricate.

E·quiv"o·cate (?), v. t. To render equivocal or ambiguous.

He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation.
Sir G. Buck.

E·quiv`o·ca"tion (?), n. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead.

There being no room for equivocations, there is no need of distinctions.
Locke.

Syn. -- Prevarication; ambiguity; shuffling; evasion; guibbling. See Equivocal, a., and Prevaricate, v. i.

E·quiv"o·ca`tor (?), n. One who equivocates.