English Dictionary: Pretext | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for Pretext | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Pretext \Pre"text\ (?; 277), n. [F. pr[82]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}. |