Bug`a*boo" (?), Bug"bear` (?), n. [See Bug.]

Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, used to frighten children, etc.

"Bugaboos to fright ye."

Lloyd.

But, to the world no bugbear is so great As want of figure and a small estate. Pope.

The bugaboo of the liberals is the church pray. S. B. Griffin.

The great bugaboo of the birds is the owl. J. Burroughs.

Syn. -- Hobgoblin; goblin; specter; ogre; scarecrow.

 

© Webster 1913.

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