succubus

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A female demon which comes to men, especially monks, in their dreams to seduce them and have sexual intercourse, drawing energy from the men to sustain themselves, often until the point of exhaustion or death.
  2. A strumpet, whore or prostitute.

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌk.jʊ.bəs/ /ˈsʌk.jə.bəs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-succubus.wav

Word forms

succubus succubi succubuses

Etymology

Alteration in Middle English (based on incubus m) of Late Latin succuba (“strumpet, especially a mythological fiend in female form who has intercourse with men in their sleep”), from Latin succubo (“to lie under”), from sub- (“under”) + cubare (“to lie down”).

Related words

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