1. to talk or act insincerely; to equivocate or prevaricate
Usage: formal; somewhat archaic
2. to haggle or bargain, especially in a petty way
Usage: archaic

Examples

• The witness palters when asked direct questions about the incident.
• He palters with the truth rather than giving a straight answer.
• The politician palters during interviews to avoid taking clear positions.
• She palters over every detail of the contract negotiations.
• The merchant palters with customers over small amounts.
• Don’t palter with me—just tell me what really happened.