2. praetextus, ūs (but found only in abl. sing.; cf. praetextum, s. v. praetexo fin.), m. [praetexo].
- I. Outward appearance, show, ornament, display, splendor, consequence (post-Aug.): majore praetextu, Tac. H. 1, 19: praetextu senatūs, id. ib. 1, 76: plurimorum et maximorum operum praetextu, Val. Max. 4, 4, 1; Manil. 3, 129.
- II. A pretence, pretext, color (not anteAug.): decretum sub leni praetextu verborum factum est, Liv. 36, 6, 5: sub praetextu, Petr. 97: hoc praetextu, under this pretence, Just. 29, 3: latrocinii, Mos. et Rom. Leg. Coll. 10, 8.