Mawson, C.O.S., ed. (1870–1938). Roget’s International Thesaurus. 1922.
Class V. Words Releasing to the Voluntary PowersDivision (I) Individual Volition
Section I. Volition in General
1. Acts of Volition
607. Tergiversation.
change of -mind, – intention, – purpose; afterthought.
coquetry, flirtation; vacillation [See Irresolution].
recidivism, recidivation, backsliding; volte-face [F.].
TURNCOAT, turn-tippet [obs.]; rat [cant], apostate, renegade, pervert, deserter, backslider; recidivist; crawfish [slang, U. S.], mugwump [U. S.]; blackleg, scab [slang]; proselyte, convert.
TIMESERVER, time-pleaser; timist [obs.], Vicar of Bray, trimmer, ambidexter; double dealer; weathercock (changeable) [See Changeableness]; Janus; coquet, flirt.
APOSTATIZE, change sides, go over, rat [cant], tourner casaque [F.], recant, retract; revoke; rescind (abrogate) [See Abrogation]; recall; forswear, unsay; come -over, – round- to an opinion.
BACK DOWN, draw in one’s horns, eat one’s words; eat -, swallow- the leek; swerve, flinch, back out of, retrace one’s steps, crawfish, crawl [both slang, U. S.]; think better of it; come back -, return- to one’s first love; turn over a new leaf (repent) [See Penitence].
TRIM, shuffle, play fast and loose, blow hot and cold, coquet, flirt, be on the fence, straddle, hold with the hare but run with the hounds; nager entre deux eaux [F.], wait to see how the -cat jumps, – wind blows.
revocatory, reactionary.