Incubus

Incubus In"cu*bus, n.; pl. E. {Incubuses}, L. {Incubi}. [L., the nightmare. Cf. {Incubate}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A demon; a fiend; a lascivious spirit, supposed to have sexual intercourse with women by night. --Tylor. [1913 Webster]

The devils who appeared in the female form were generally called succubi; those who appeared like men incubi, though this distinction was not always preserved. --Lecky. [1913 Webster]

2. (Med.) The nightmare. See {Nightmare}. [1913 Webster]

Such as are troubled with incubus, or witch-ridden, as we call it. --Burton. [1913 Webster]

3. Any oppressive encumbrance or burden; anything that prevents the free use of the faculties. [1913 Webster]

Debt and usury is the incubus which weighs most heavily on the agricultural resources of Turkey. --J. L. Farley. [1913 Webster]