| pretext | Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a colour 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) Synonym: Pretense, excuse, semblance, disguise, appearance. See Pretense. Origin: F. Pretexte, L. Praetextum, fr. Praetextus, p. P. Of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae = before + texere to weave. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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