(folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beingsSynonyms: goblinhob
an object of dread or apprehension“Germany was always a bugbear for France”“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds — Ralph Waldo Emerson”Synonyms: bugbear
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Hobgoblin \Hob"gob`lin\, n. [See 2d Hob, and Goblin.] A frightful goblin; an imp; a bugaboo; also, a name formerly given to the household spirit, Robin Goodfellow. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]