pretext

Where does the word "pretext" come from? It comes from Latin praetexere, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Pretext’s story begins in Latin: praetexere meant “to weave in front, to disguise.” To weave in front, from prae- (in front) and texere (to weave). It reached English by 1400s as pretext. Settled as the English word for a false reason given to conceal the true one. Today, pretext means a false reason given to justify an action, concealing the true motive.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient praetexere "to weave in front, to disguise", to weave in front, from prae- (in front) and texere (to weave).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s pretext "a false reason given to conceal the true motive", settled as the English word for a false reason given to conceal the true one.