In International law. Reasons alleged as Justificatory, but which are so only in appearuuce. or which are even absolutely destifute of ail foundation. The name of “pretexts” may likewise be applied to reasons which are in themselves true and well-founded, but, not being of sufficient im-portance for undertaking a war, [or other international act,] are made use of only to cover ambitious views. Vatt. Law Nat. bk. 8, c. 3, f 32
Source: Black’s Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)
