Dictionary.net

an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"

an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"

A pretense or excuse; false motive put forward to conceal the real one.

An ostensible motive or reason put forward in order to conceal the real one: a pretence.

An excuse; pretence.

A pretence; an assumed reason, not the real one; a motive or reason assigned as a cover for concealing the real motive.

n. [Latin] Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a colour or cover for the real reason or motive ; false show or appearance; pretence; disguise; show; mask; cloak; cover.