indirection

[ in-duh-rek-shuh n, -dahy- ]

/ ˌɪn dəˈrɛk ʃən, -daɪ- /

indirect action or procedure.

a roundabout course or method.

a lack of direction or goal; aimlessness: His efforts were marked by indirection and indecisiveness.

deceitful or dishonest dealing.

Origin of indirection

1585–95; indirect + -ion, modeled on direction

He seemed to learn quite as much by indirection as by persevering application to books.

Stephen A. Douglas |Allen Johnson
It is seen in his purpose to convey his message by suggestion and indirection, or as an informing, vitalizing breath and spirit.

Whitman |John Burroughs
It aims at the poetry of things rather than of words, and works by suggestion and indirection rather than by elaboration.

Whitman |John Burroughs
By indirection she obtained a description of Claghorn, so that he might not escape her if he came in.

Bambi |Marjorie Benton Cooke

The other was not dull, nor did he usually travel by indirection.

The Long Roll |Mary Johnston

indirection

/ (ˌɪndɪˈrɛkʃən) /

indirect procedure, courses, or methods

lack of direction or purpose; aimlessness

indirect dealing; deceit