Definition: pretext

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

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, pretense, pretence]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

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.