-prēˈtekstə- noun
also fabula prae·tex·ta·ta -(ˌ)prēˌtekˈstäd.ə, -ād.ə
( plural fabulae praetex·tae -ˌstē)
Etymology: Latin, literally, drama in praetextae; from the praetextae worn by the actors
: an ancient Roman drama with a theme from Roman history or legend