1. pretext - Noun
2. pretext - Verb
Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.
Source: Webster's dictionaryWe must always be on guard lest, under the pretext of keeping one commandment, we be found breaking another. Basil of Caesarea
Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs. Denis Diderot
But the greatest menace to our civilization today is the conflict between giant organized systems of self-righteousness-each system only too delighted to find that the other is wicked-each only too glad that the sins give it the pretext for still deeper hatred and animosity. Herbert Butterfield
On every small pretext the wolf seizes the sheep. Italian Proverb
The wolf never wants a pretext against the lamb. Portuguese Proverb
Upon a slight pretext the wolf takes the sheep. French Proverb