Bŭg or Bŭg'bear or Bŭg'a-bōō1, n.
n. [W. bug, bugan, hobgoblin, scare-crow, bugbear, from bw, a threatening or terrifying object, terror.] Something frightful, as a specter; any thing imaginary that causes needless fright; something used to excite needless fear.
Sir, spare your threats; The bug which you would fright me with I seek. Shak.
To the world, no bugbear is so great, As want of figure, and a small estate. Pope.
Take you abroad! Indeed not I; For all the bugbears to fright ye. Lloyd.