First Known Use: 1600
Dictionary
palter
verb pal·ter \ˈpȯl-tər\
pal·teredpal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of PALTER
intransitive verb
1
: to act insincerely or deceitfully : equivocate
See palter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PALTER
origin unknown
Synonym Discussion of PALTER
lie, prevaricate, equivocate, palter, fib mean to tell an untruth. lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty <lied about where he had been>. prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue <during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate>. equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another <equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors>. palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises <a swindler paltering with his investors>. fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth <fibbed about the price of the new suit>.
Learn More About PALTER
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up palter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).