Main Entry:

pre·text

Pronunciation:

\ˈprē-ˌtekst\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin praetextus, from praetexere to assign as a pretext, screen, extend in front, from prae- + texere to weave — more at technical

Date:

1513

: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs

synonyms see apology