Both Uses of
pretense
in
The Idiot
- I am often discussing subjects of this nature with him, gentlemen, but for the most part he talks nonsense enough to make one deaf: this story has no pretence of being true.†
Chpt 3.4 *unconventional spelling: This is a British spelling. Americans use pretense.
- Besides, a Catholic monk is by nature excessively curious; it would be quite easy therefore to entice him into a wood, or some secret place, on false pretences, and there to deal with him as said.†
Chpt 3.4unconventional spelling: This is the British spelling. Americans spell it pretenses.
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.