What is "pretexts"

Usage examples of "pretexts".

As these are the pretexts, so the ordinary actors and instruments in great public evils are kings, priests, magistrates, senates, parliaments, national assemblies, judges, and captains.

The pretexts are always found in some specious appearance of a real good.

You would not secure men from tyranny and sedition by rooting out of the mind the principles to which these fraudulent pretexts apply?

Seldom have two ages the same fashion in their pretexts and the same modes of mischief.

They, therefore, determined to kill him upon the occasion of some procession or public festivity when there would be no doubt of his presence, and where they might, under various pretexts, assemble their friends.

However, under various pretexts he kept Lorenzo from December till March, not only to gain the most perfect knowledge of his own views, but of those of his city.

Thinking it advisable to seize the opportunity, they sent twelve ambassadors to the pontiff, who, on their arrival, detained them under different pretexts before he would admit them to an audience.

They wanted to see Don Julio on the most absurd pretexts, and at the same time improved the opportunity to chat with Chicha and Luisa.

To his former pretexts for irony a fresh one was now added allusions to stepmothers and amiabilities to Mademoiselle Bourienne.

And finally, for lack of anything better, the flimsiest of pretexts had to serve.