incubus
English
/ˈɪŋ.kjʊ.bəs/
noun
Definitions
- (mediaeval folklore) An evil spirit supposed to oppress people while asleep, especially to have sex with women as they sleep.
- A feeling of oppression during sleep, sleep paralysis; night terrors, a nightmare.
- (by extension) Any oppressive thing or person; a burden.
- (entomology) One of various of parasitic insects, especially subfamily .
Etymology
Derived from Latin incubus, incubō (I am a burden to, one who lies down on the sleeper, I lie upon, nightmare, I brood over).
Origin
Latin
incubō
Gloss
I am a burden to, one who lies down on the sleeper, I lie upon, nightmare, I brood over