Both Uses of
pretense
in
King Lear
- I dare pawn down my life for him that he hath writ this to feel my affection to your honour, and to no other pretence of danger.†
Scene 1.2 *unconventional spelling: This is a British spelling. Americans use pretense.
- Thou but rememberest me of mine own conception: I have perceived a most faint neglect of late; which I have rather blamed as mine own jealous curiosity than as a very pretence and purpose of unkindness: I will look further into't.†
Scene 1.4
Definition:
a false appearance or action to help one pretend
This is sometimes seen in the expression "false pretense" or "false pretenses" which is just emphasizing that behavior or actions do not reflect the true situation.