scarebug

plural scarebugs · alternative scare-bug

1. obsoleteA bugbear; an imaginary monster to frighten children.

   The argument is a mere scarebug of the opposition.

   1921, Edmund Peyton Lowe, American Principles, page 88

   3 more examples

   Is hell but a name and word, a scarebug for to keep fools in awe?

   1862, Samuel Ward, Sermons and treatises, page 60

   You can't fright me with your scarebugs. I'm going to be cremated. That's real ashes to ashes.

   1912, Israel Zangwill, The Next Religion: A Play in Three Acts, page 50

   As for painting, we have the portraits of Viceroys exhibited in the Government Council Hall, monstrous scarebugs made in series which may serve to terrorise our councillors.

   1961, T. B. Cunha, Goa's Freedom Struggle: Selected Writings of T. B. Cunha, page 87