Stalking-horse /(sta̤k"ĭng-hôrs`)/

Stalk·ing-horse

Stalking-horse

n.
  1. A horse, or a figure resembling a horse, behind which a hunter conceals himself from the game he is aiming to kill.
  2. Something used to cover up a secret project; a mask; a pretense. Fig.:
    Hypocrisy is the devil's stalking-horse under an affectation of simplicity and religion.
    How much more abominable is it to make of him [Christ] and religion a stalking-horse, to get and enjoy the world!