Dictionary
pre•text
Pronunciation: (prē'tekst), [key]—
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. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.