All 3 Uses of
pretense
in
Sycamore Row
- The Buckleys lived far below their pretensions.†
p. 167.9pretensions = appearances or actions to help one pretend
- His résumé was impeccable, as were his manners, and he spoke with a deep backcountry drawl that carried no pretensions.†
p. 587.0 *
- And, Now, Ancil, isn't it true that you're wanted by the authorities in at least four states for such things as obtaining goods under false pretenses, grand larceny, and nonpayment of child support?'†
p. 621.5false pretenses = false appearances or actions to help one pretend
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.