Pretext
Pronunciation : Pre"text
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. pr?texte, L. praetextum, fr. praetextus, p. p. of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae before + texere to weave. See Text.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913