All 4 Uses of
pretense
in
The Aeneid
- Some tale, some new pretense, he daily coin'd, To soothe his sister, and delude her mind.†
Book 1 *pretense = a false appearance or action to help one pretend
- The Morn began, from Ida, to display Her rosy cheeks; and Phosphor led the day: Before the gates the Grecians took their post, And all pretense of late relief was lost.†
Book 2
- Fix'd on the deed, but doubtful of the means, After long thought, to this advice he leans: Three chiefs he calls, commands them to repair The fleet, and ship their men with silent care; Some plausible pretense he bids them find, To color what in secret he design'd.†
Book 4
- Let not the Trojans, with a feign'd pretense Of proffer'd peace, delude the Latian prince.†
Book 7
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.