evasion

EVA'SION, n. s as z. [L. evasio, from evado, evasi. See Evade.]

The act of eluding or avoiding, or of escaping, particularly from the pressure of an argument, from an accusation or charge, from an interrogatory and the like; excuse; subterfuge; equivocation; artifice to elude; shift. Evasion of a direct answer weakens the testimony of a witness.