pretense
/ˈpɹiːtɛns/ noun C1- The action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation. · He visited the king under the pretense of friendliness.· "Lady Little", the title that she used, was just a pretense.
- Affectation or ostentation of manner. · She was a plain-speaking woman without a hint of pretense.
- Intention or purpose not real but professed. · with only a pretense of accuracy
- An unsupported claim made or implied.
- An insincere attempt to reach a specific condition or quality.
Plural pretenses
From the library
A FOX entered into partnership with a Lion on the pretense of becoming his servant.
On his way he met a man on horseback who begged the hare of him, under the pretense of purchasing it.
Now all pretense of grief had passed away from her.
“Then Cæsar and the pope hastened to lay hands on the heritage, under pretense of seeking for the papers of the dead man.
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