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pretext |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. 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}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: pretext n 1: something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason [syn: {stalking-horse}] 2: an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them" [syn: {guise}, {pretence}]
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