Pretext

v. t. [Lat. prætexere, to weave before, from præ, before, and texere, to weave.] To cloak; to conceal. [Obs.] Edwards.

(114) (Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. prétexte, Sp. pretexto, It. pretesto; Lat. prætextum, from prætextus, p. p. of prætexere. See supra.] Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; false appearance; pretense.

They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a pretext of service and kindness. L'Estrange.

Synonyms— Pretense; semblance; disguise; appearance. See PRETENSE.