Pre-tĕn'sion, n.
(pre-tĕn'shun), n. [Fr. prétention, Sp. pretension, It. pretensione. See PRETEND.]
Sense 1. The act of pretending or holding forth; or that which is pretended; pretext; fictitious show; deception; cheat. [Obs.]
This was but an invention and pretension given out by the Spaniards. Bacon.
Sense 2. The act of pretending or laying claim; a holding out the appearance of right to a thing.
The arrogant pretensions of Glengarry contributed to protract the discussion. Macaulay.
Sense 3. Claim laid; right alleged or assumed.
The commons demand that the consulship should lie in common to the pretensions of any Roman. Swift.
Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions. L'Estrange.