From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pretext \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.
[1913 Webster]
They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a
pretext of service and kindness. --L'Estrange.
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With how much or how little pretext of reason. --Dr. H.
More.
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Syn: Pretense; excuse; semblance; disguise; appearance. See
Pretense.
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