alibi apology blind camouflage cloak color cover cover story cover-up device disguise domino excuse facade false colors false face false front feint front gloss guise handle incognito lame excuse locus standi mask masque masquerade mummery ostensible motive poor excuse pretense pretension pretext protective coloration protestation public motive put-off refuge screen semblance sham show stalking-horse stratagem subterfuge trick varnish veil visor vizard vizard mask