also: かごと · かずけごと
noun
Used when giving a false reason or excuse to hide one's true intention. Often implies a made-up story or a plea used as a cover.
彼は病気を託言にして会議を欠席した。
He used illness as a pretext to skip the meeting.
そんな託言は誰も信じないよ。
Nobody will believe such an excuse.
noun
Refers to a message, especially one delivered orally. This usage is less common and may be considered literary or old-fashioned.
彼は友人からの託言を伝えた。
He conveyed a message from a friend.
The word is composed of 託 (entrust, request) and 言 (word, speech). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji suggest the idea of entrusting words to someone, either as a message or as a pretext.