beg the question

verb3

1. •
   To engage in the logical fallacy of begging the question (petitio principii).

   • The objection is that the argument begs the question, meaning that the premise, that God has all the virtues, assumes the conclusion, that God is benevolent. — 1994
2. •
   (nonstandard) To raise or prompt a question.

   • Three people were hurt in the fire at the warehouse last night, which begs the question: what were they doing there in the first place?
3. •
   To sidestep or fail to address a question.

   • However I hope we shall do better as we go on and as long as there's no dodging or begging the question on our side, I'm not afraid. — 1860