Category:Pretex

Pre*tex", v. t. Etym: [l. praetexere. See pretext.]

Defn: to frame; to devise; to disguise or excuse; hence, to pretend; To declare falsely. [obs.]

Pretext Pre"text, n. Etym: [f. prétexte, l. praetextum, fr. praetextus, p. p. Of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae before + Texere to weave. See text.]

Defn: 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.