Who is a false pretender?

Answer 1

In order to understand "false pretender" one needs to understand the historical use of the word "pretender" as in " a pretender to the throne". To be a "pretender" does not mean one is necessarily illegitimate. A "pretender to the throne" could be simply "one who claims the throne or the title". A "pretender" could be legitimate royalty.

Therefore, a "false pretender" is a claimant who is not genuine, not legitimate. This all gets confusing because the word "pretender" has a different connotation today.