Tergiversation

tergiversation \ˌtər-ˌji-vər-ˈsā-shən, -ˌgi-; ˌtər-ji-(ˌ)vər-\ noun: 1. evasion of straightforward action or clear-cut statement; equivocation, 2. desertion of a cause, position, party or faith

Etymology: Latin tergiversatus, past participle of tergiversari to show reluctance, from tergum back + versare to turn, frequentative of vertere to turn

“Boldwood had for the first time been awakened to woman’s privileges in tergiversation even when it involves another person’s possible blight.” (Thomas Hardy, Far From the Madding Crowd)