society > morality > moral evil > lack of principle or integrity > be unprincipled in [verb (transitive)] > defeat purpose of by specious compliance (3)
To frustrate the aim or purpose of; to elude, evade. Obsolete.
To evade compliance with or fulfilment of (a law, order, demand, request, obligation, etc.).
In various applied or extended uses. To defeat the intention of (a law, stipulation, etc.), esp. by specious compliance with its letter.