Pre‐tend″, v. i. 1. To put in, or make, a claim, truly or falsely; to allege a title; to lay claim to, or strive after, something; — usually with to. “Countries that pretend to freedom.” Swift.
For to what fine he would anon pretend,
That know I well. Chaucer.
2. To hold out the appearance of being, possessing, or performing; to profess; to make believe; to feign; to sham; as, to pretend to be asleep. “ pretended to drink the waters.” Macaulay.