bugbear Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an imaginary monster used to frighten children
    booger; bugaboo; boogeyman; bogeyman.
  2. noun an object of dread or apprehension
    hobgoblin.
    • Germany was always a bugbear for France
    • A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"--Ralph Waldo Emerson

WordNet

Bug"bear` noun
Definitions
  1. Same as Bugaboo. -- a. Causing needless fright. Locke.
Bug"bear` transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To alarm with idle phantoms.

Webster 1913