Tergiversation

Merriam-Webster Online: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/mwwodarch.pl?Nov.03

tergiversation • \ter-jiv-er-SAY-shun\ • noun

*1 : evasion of straightforward action or clear-cut statement : equivocation
2 : desertion of a cause, position, party, or faith

Example sentence:
The tergiversation of Ken's speech left his listeners confused about where he really stood on the issue.

Did you know?
The Latin verb "tergiversari" means "to show reluctance," and it comes from the combination of "tergum," meaning "back," and "versare," meaning "to turn."
"Tergiversari" gave English the noun "tergiversation" and the verb "tergiversate" ("to engage in tergiversation").
"Tergiversation" is the slightly older term, having been around since at least 1570; the first known use of "tergiversate" dates from 1590.
There's also the much rarer adjective "tergiversant" ("tending to evade"), as well as the noun "tergiversator" ("one that tergiversates").

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

This is going to be one of my favourite words that will be etched at the back of my brain, and then, forgotten. Like every memory that enters the/my mind.

Thanks Jimmie!