#607. Tergiversation. -- N. change of mind, change of intention, change of purpose; afterthought.
tergiversation, recantation; palinode, palinody[obs]; renunciation; abjuration,abjurement[obs]; defection &c. (relinquishment) 624; going over &c. v.; apostasy; retraction, retractation[obs]; withdrawal; disavowal &c. (negation) 536; revocation, revokement[obs]; reversal; repentance &c. 950- redintegratio amoris[Lat].
coquetry; vacillation &c. 605; backsliding; volte-face[Fr].
turn coat, turn tippet|; rat, apostate, renegade; convert, pervert; proselyte, deserter; backslider; blackleg, crawfish [U. S.], scab*, mugwump [U. S.], recidivist.
time server, time pleaser[obs]; timist|, Vicar of Bray, trimmer, ambidexter[obs]; weathercock &c. (changeable) 149; Janus.
V. change one's mind, change one's intention, change one's purpose, change one's note; abjure, renounce; withdraw from &c. (relinquish) 624; waver, vacillate; wheel round, turn round, veer round; turn a pirouette; go over from one side to another, pass from one side to another, change from one side to another, skip from one side to another; go to the rightabout; box the compass, shift one's ground, go upon another tack.
apostatize, change sides, go over, rat; recant, retract; revoke; rescind &c. (abrogate) 756; recall; forswear, unsay; come over, come round to an opinion; crawfish *[U. S.], crawl* [U. S.].
draw in one's horns, eat one's words; eat the leek, swallow the leek; swerve, flinch, back out of, retrace one's steps, think better of it; come back return to one's first love; turn over a new leaf &c. (repent) 950.
trim, shuffle, play fast and loose, blow hot and cold, coquet, be on the fence, straddle, bold with the hare but run with the hounds; nager entre deux eaux[Fr]; wait to see how the cat jumps, wait to see how the wind blows.
Adj. changeful &c. 149; irresolute &c. 605; ductile, slippery as an eel, trimming, ambidextrous, timeserving[obs];. coquetting &c. v.
revocatory[obs], reactionary.
Phr. "a change came o'er the spirit of my dream" [Byron].