D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Pretext

/prēt'-ĕkstˌ/ · Pre·text · IPA /ˈpɹiːtɛkst/
01 n. Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.
  1. 1.
    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.