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