in Law, is used for any subtle endeav- our to set aside truth, or to escape the punishment of the law, which will not be endured. Thus, if a per- son says to another that he will not strike him, but will give him a pot of ale to strike him first, and according- ly he strikes, the returning of it is punishable; for no man shall evade the justice of the law by such a pretence to cover his malice.