Definitions for: Pretext


[n] an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
[n] something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason



Webster (1913) Definition: Pre"text (?; 277), n. [F. pr['e]texte, L. praetextum,
fr. praetextus, p. p. of praetexere to weave before, allege
as an excuse; prae before + texere to weave. See Text.]
Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or
cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.

They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a
pretext of service and kindness. --L'Estrange.

With how much or how little pretext of reason. --Dr. H.
More.

Syn: Pretense; excuse; semblance; disguise; appearance. See
Pretense.

Synonyms: guise, pretence, pretense, stalking-horse

See Also: color, colour, dissembling, feigning, pretence, pretense, putoff, semblance

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