Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Pretex, v. [e.m.E. (1545), L. prætexĕre to weave before or in front, to cloak, disguise, pretend.] tr. a. To put forward as a pretext; to claim or pretend to believe; to pretend. b. To cloak or cover up (a deceit or wrongdoing) be or with a pretext. —a. 1562 Knox Ressoning 177.
If ye fear tumult, as ye pretex, that is [etc.] 1563 G. Hay Confutation Abbot Crosraguel 14 b.
And pretex not such godlie orations, as be used in the holy communion 1585 Warrender P. (S.H.S.) I 180.
What soever uther colleur be pretexed the subversioun of the religioun is intended c1590 Fowler II 62/11.
For gif … we wald pretex the simplicitie of words, Christ then suld be ane lambe, an porte, an way [etc.]b. 1562 Q. Kennedy Ressoning 183.
Thairfore keip your promes, and pretex na joukrie be my Lorde of Cassillis writing 1623 Bk. Carlaverock II 65.
Pretexing there jnjuries with a coullour of justice