Answer: pretences

AnswerCrossword Clue
pretencesA claim, esp. a false or ambitious one
pretencesAn attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
pretencesA false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions
pretencesAffected and ostentatious speech and behavior
pretencesThe practice of inventing imaginary situations in play
pretencesPRETENCE, the act of pretending, also PRETENSE