Definition for PRE-TEXT'

PRE-TEXT', n. [L. prætextus; Fr. pretexte; It. pretesto; Sp. pretexto.]

Pretense; false appearance; ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive. He gave plausible reasons for his conduct, but these were only a pretext to conceal his real motives. He made pretext that I should only go / And help convey his freight; but thought not so. – Chapman. They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a pretext of service and kindness. – L'Estrange.

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