false pretences
criminal law a former name for deception: See obtaining by deception
a similar misrepresentation used to obtain anything, such as trust or affection (esp in the phrase under false pretences)
Words Nearby false pretences
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
How to use false pretences in a sentence
But his servant runs after the man, and gets two talents of silver and some garments under false pretences.
God and my Neighbour | Robert BlatchfordYou see, the suggestion that I am here under false pretences naturally upsets me.
The Everlasting Arms | Joseph HockingI felt myself dependent upon her for house room and food and social support, as it were under false pretences.
The New Machiavelli | Herbert George Wells"Yes, yes—Macedonia," he snapped, obviously suspecting me of trying to obtain a week's leave on false pretences.
For, though but a poor boy, he was too honest to accept any commission under false pretences.
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