PRETENSE

or pretence noun Etymology: Middle English, probably modification of Medieval Latin pretensio, irregular from Latin praetendere Date: 15th century a claim made or implied, 2. mere ostentation ; pretentiousness , a pretentious act or assertion, an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality, professed rather than real intention or purpose ; pretext , make-believe , fiction , false show ; simulation