from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Specter \Spec"ter\, Spectre \Spec"tre\, n. [F. spectre, fr. L.
spectrum an appearance, image, specter, fr. specere to look.
See {Spy}, and cf. {Spectrum}.]
1. Something preternaturally visible; an apparition; a ghost;
a phantom.
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The ghosts of traitors from the bridge descend,
With bold fanatic specters to rejoice. --Dryden.
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2. (Zool.)
(a) The tarsius.
(b) A stick insect.
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{Specter bat} (Zool.), any phyllostome bat.
{Specter candle} (Zool.), a belemnite.
{Specter shrimp} (Zool.), a skeleton shrimp. See under
{Skeleton}.
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