E*va"sion (?), n. [L. evasio: cf. F. évasion. See Evade.] The act of eluding or avoiding, particularly the pressure of an argument, accusation, charge, or interrogation; artful means of eluding.
Thou . . . by evasions thy crime uncoverest more.
Milton.
Syn. -- Shift; subterfuge; shuffling; prevarication; equivocation.
E*va"sive (?), a. [Cf. F. évasif. See Evade.] Tending to evade, or marked by evasion; elusive; shuffling; avoiding by artifice.
Thus he, though conscious of the ethereal guest,
Answered evasive of the sly request.
Pope.
Stammered out a few evasive phrases.
Macaulay.
-- E*va"sive*ly , adv. -- E*va"sive*ness, n.