noun
or spec·tre ˈspektə(r)
( -s )
Etymology: French spectre, from Latin spectrum appearance, specter, from specere to look — more at spy
1. : a visible disembodied spirit : apparition , ghost , phantom
2. : a ghostly and usually fear-inspiring vision of the imagination : something that haunts or persistently perturbs the mind : phantasm
the specter of want
3.
a. : stick insect
b. or specter crab : glass crab
c. : specter shrimp