Definition: equivocation

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

equivocation
     n 1: a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly
          avoids an unpleasant truth [syn: evasion]
     2: intentionally vague or ambiguous [syn: prevarication, evasiveness]
     3: deliberate vagueness or ambiguity [syn: evasiveness]
     4: falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language [syn:
        tergiversation]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Equivocation \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.