n. [ Cf. F. prétention. See Pretend, Tension. ] 1. The act of pretending, or laying claim; the act of asserting right or title. [ 1913 Webster ] The arrogant pretensions of Glengarry contributed to protract the discussion. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A claim made, whether true or false; a right alleged or assumed; a holding out the appearance of possessing a certain character; as, pretensions to scholarship. [ 1913 Webster ] This was but an invention and pretension given out by the Spaniards. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ] | 