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Webster 1913 Edition

Bugbear

{

Bugˊa-boo′

,

Bug′bearˊ

}
,
Noun.
[See
Bug
.]
Something frightful, as a specter; anything imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear; also, something really dangerous, or an imaginary monster, 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; bogeyman; boogeyman; booger.

Bug′bearˊ

,
Noun.
Same as
Bugaboo
.
–
Adj.
Causing needless fright.
Locke.

Bug′bearˊ

,
Verb.
T.
To alarm with idle phantoms.

Webster 1828 Edition

Bugbear

BUG'BEAR

,
Verb.
T.
To alarm or frighten with idle phantoms.

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