Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 + 1828)

Displaying 1 result(s) from the 1913 edition:

Pretext (Page: 1135)

Pre"text (?; 277), n. [F. prétexte, 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.