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Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828
Part of speech: noun (n.)
Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise. They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a pretext of service and kindness. L'Estrange. With how much or how little pretext of reason. Dr. H. More.
Synonyms: Pretense; excuse; semblance; disguise; appearance. See Pretense.