ˈbəgˌba(a)(ə)r, -ˌbe(ə)r, -ˌba(a)ə, -ˌbeə noun
( -s )
Etymology: bug (I) (goblin) + bear
1. : an imaginary goblin or specter used to excite needless fear (as in children)
2.
a. : an object or source of dread or abhorrence
the French tendency to make a bugbear of Germany is exactly what the Russians want — New Yorker
b. : problem ; especially : a continuing source of irritation or annoyance
their biggest bugbear has been the cross-filing system that California adopted a generation ago — Gladwin Hill