n. The quality or state of being ostensible. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ From L. ostensus, p. p. of ostendere to show, prop., to stretch out before; fr. prefix obs- (old form of ob-) + tendere to stretch. See Tend. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In an ostensible manner; avowedly; professedly; apparently. Walsh. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ostensibly, we were intended to prevent filibustering into Texas, but really as a menace to Mexico. U. S. Grant. [ 1913 Webster ]