I. ˈprēˌtekst noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin praetextus, from praetextus, past participle of praetexere to weave in front, fringe, adorn, assign as a pretext, from prae- pre- + texere to weave — more at technical
: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs : excuse , pretense , cover
Synonyms: see apology
II. ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to use or allege as a pretext
pretexting an early engagement in town next morning — W.S.Maugham