PRETEXT

guise, pretense, pretence, pretext

(noun) an artful or simulated semblance; “under the guise of friendship he betrayed them”

pretext, stalking-horse

(noun) something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

pretext (plural pretexts)

A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.

Synonyms

• See also pretext

Verb

pretext (third-person singular simple present pretexts, present participle pretexting, simple past and past participle pretexted)

To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.

Synonyms

• blag (UK)

Source: Wiktionary

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.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition