pretext
ˈpriːtɛkst/
noun
noun: pretext; plural noun: pretexts
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a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.“the rebels had the perfect pretext for making their move”
synonyms: excuse, false excuse, ostensible reason, alleged reason, plea, supposed grounds;More
Origin
early 16th century: from Latin praetextus ‘outward display’, from the verb praetexere ‘to disguise’, from prae ‘before’ + texere ‘weave’.
How my heart sings 