Specter \Spec"ter\, Spectre \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. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) The tarsius.
   (b) A stick insect.

Specter bat (Zo["o]l.), any phyllostome bat.

Specter candle (Zo["o]l.), a belemnite.

Specter shrimp (Zo["o]l.), a skeleton shrimp. See under Skeleton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)