{ 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.