Definition of "incubus" in English

noun

1. (mediaeval folklore) An evil spirit supposed to oppress people while asleep, especially to have sex with women as they sleep.

2. A feeling of oppression during sleep, sleep paralysis; night terrors, a nightmare.

   • it increaseth fearful dreams, incubus, night-walking, crying out, and much unquietness […] .

3. (by extension) Any oppressive thing or person; a burden.

   • Again he felt the impulse of flight: but his body was a dry dead incubus that refused to obey his volition.

4. (entomology) One of various of parasitic insects, especially subfamily Aphidiinae.