stalking-horse

Noun
Synonyms: pretext

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate
  2. something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reasonSynonyms: pretext
  3. screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
  4. a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Stalking-horse \Stalk"ing-horse`\ (st[add]k"[i^]ng-h[^o]rs`), n.

1.A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill. [1913 Webster]

2.Fig.: Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense. [1913 Webster]

Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]
How much more abominable is it to make of him [Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world!— Bunyan.[1913 Webster]
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