\Bug`a*boo"\, Bugbear \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.