/boog"ee man', boh"gee-, booh"-/ , n. , pl. bogeymen .
an imaginary evil character of supernatural powers, esp. a mythical hobgoblin supposed to carry off naughty children.
Also, bogyman, boogerman, boogeyman, boogieman .
[ 1885-90; BOGEY (var. of BOGY 1 ) + MAN 1 ]