{ } n. 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. “Go to sleep or the Boogeyman will get you.” Syn. -- Hobgoblin; goblin; specter; ogre; scarecrow; booger; bugaboo; bugbear. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]