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pretext

 [pree-tekst]   Example Sentences Origin

pre·text

   [pree-tekst]
noun
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.
Origin:
1505–15; < Latin praetextum pretext, ornament, noun use of neuter past participle of praetexere to pretend, literally, to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture

Can be confused: pretense, pretext.

Synonyms
2. subterfuge, evasion.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Pretext is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
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Example Sentences
  • You defined your examples and observations based on that pretext.
  • Critics of the government say the investigation has become a pretext for punishing opponents of the government.
  • That paves the way for all kinds of pretext-based firings.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
pretext (ˈpriːtɛkst)
 
—n
1.  a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one
2.  a specious excuse; pretence
 
[C16: from Latin praetextum disguise, from praetexere to weave in front, disguise; see texture]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

pretext
1513, from L. prætextum "a pretext," originally neuter pp. of prætexere "to disguise, cover," from præ- "in front" + texere "to weave" (cf. pull the wool over someone's eyes); from PIE base *tek- "make" (see texture).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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