{ Spec"ter , Spec"tre } (?), n. [F. spectre, fr. L. spectrum an appearance, image, specter, fr. specere to look. See Spy, and cf. Spectrum.]
1. Something preternaturally visible; an apparition; a ghost; a phantom.
The ghosts of traitors from the bridge descend,
With bold fanatic specters to rejoice.
Dryden.
2. (Zoöl.) (a) The tarsius. (b)
A stick insect.
Specter bat (Zoöl.), any phyllostome bat. --
Specter candle
(Zoöl.), a belemnite. -- Specter shrimp
(Zoöl.), a skeleton shrimp. See under Skeleton.
Hear it pronounced