/pree"tekst/ , n.
1. something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object; an ostensible reason; excuse: The leaders used the insults as a pretext to declare war.
2. the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention: His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
[ 1505-15; praetextum pretext, ornament, n. use of neut. ptp. of praetexere to pretend, lit., to weave in front, hence, adorn. See PRE-, TEXTURE ]
Syn. 2. subterfuge, evasion.