| 释义 |
▪ I. pretext, n.1|ˈpriːtɛkst|
[ad. L. prætextus (u-stem) outward display, show, a pretext, f. ppl. stem of prætexĕre: see prec. (or ad. L. prætext-um a pretext, orig. pa. pple. neut. of the same). So F. prétexte (16th c. in Littré). Formerly (until c 1840–50) stressed preˈtext.]
That which is put forward to cover the real purpose or object; the ostensible reason or motive of action; an excuse, pretence, specious plea.
1513More Rich. III, Wks. 58/1 The deuise of some conuenient pretext, for which the peple should be content, to depose the prince. 1591Spenser M. Hubberd 988 We may coulor it with some pretext. 1651Hobbes Leviath. iii. xl. 255 A pretext..to discharge themselves of their obedience. 1736Berkeley Querist App. §80 Such cash should not be liable to seizure on any pretext. 1790Burke Fr. Rev. Wks. V. 159 Publick benefit would soon become the pretext, and perfidy and murder the end. 1810Scott Lady of L. ii. xxviii, The same pretext of sylvan game. 1842Tennyson Gardener's Dau. 188 Henceforward squall nor storm Could keep me from that Eden where she dwelt. Light pretexts drew me. 1856Kane Arct. Expl. II. xxiv. 241, I..sent them to their village under pretext of obtaining birds. 1883H. Drummond Nat. Law in Spir. W. (1884) 89 To sit down on the outermost edge of the Holy Ground on the pretext of taking off their shoes.
†b. A claim or pretension asserted. rare—1.
1633Stafford Pac. Hib. ii. iii. 139 Praying that his life might bee spared, in policie of State; for whilest hee lived, his brother Iohn could not make any pretext to the Earledome.
▪ II. † pretext, a. (n.2) Obs. rare.
Also præ-.
[ad. L. (toga) prætexta a toga bordered or edged with purple, pa. pple. fem. of prætexĕre to edge, border: see pretex. So F. prétexte.]
1. Woven in front; bordered, edged, fringed (in quots., with purple); pretext gown = prætexta.
1533Bellenden Livy i. iii. (S.T.S.) I. 25 Be exempill of þir Ethruschis þe sadill currill and þe pretext govne, with mony vthir ornamentis..war brocht vp in rome. Ibid. ii. xxiii. 224 Þe ornamentis consulare, þat is to say, þe axis, the sadill curall, the pretext govne.
2. Of a person: Wearing the prætexta.
a1659Lovelace Poems (1864) 251 A senator prætext, that knewst to sway The fasces.
B. n. = prætexta.
1598R. Grenewey Tacitus' Ann. i. i. (1622) 2 His earnest desire was, they should be called Princes of youth, and chosen Consuls elect, before they had cast of their prætext or infants garments. Ibid. xii. ix. 167 Britannicus in his pretext, and Nero in triumphing attire.
Hence † preˈtexted ppl. a. Obs. rare—1, bordered.
1647R. Stapylton Juvenal 154 æmilius Lepidus..by decree of senate had a statue in his pretexted purple and golden bulla's (or bubbles) set up in the capitol.
▪ III. pretext, v.|prɪˈtɛkst|
[a. F. prétexter (17th c. in Littré) to take as a pretext, f. prétexte pretext n.1]
trans. To use or assign as a pretext; to allege as an excuse; to pretend. Also absol.
1606[see pretexted ppl. a.1]. a1797H. Walpole Mem. Geo. II (1822) I. 378 A decency was observed, and conscience always pretexted. 1849J. Pardoe Francis I, II. xiv. 377 He retraced his steps to the Rue de Fer; where, pretexting business he entered the shop of the armourer. 1885C. Black in Eng. Illustr. Mag. III. 241 Pretexting a sprained wrist as excuse for a strange hand. |