Also 7–9 empuse. [a. Gr. ἔμπουσα.]
1. In classical sense: A hobgoblin or spectre supposed to be sent by Hecate.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 598. Little children, whom they use to scarre with the fantastical illusion Empusa.
1647. Jer. Taylor, Dissuas. Popery, I. ii. § 10 (1664), 136. This was well tried of old against an Empuse that met Apollonius Tyanæus.
1855. Smedley, Occult Sc., 72. A near kinsman of the classical Empusa.
† 2. A hobgoblin, spectre, phantom. Obs.
1621. Molle, Camerar. Liv. Libr., IV. 264. This faire bride is an Empuse or Hag.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., I. ii. 62. An Empusa, Phantom, or Spectre.
1708. in Kersey.
1775. in Ash.
1847. in Craig; and in mod. Dicts.
† 3. Comb., as in empusa-land. Obs. (nonce-wd.)
1799. W. Taylor, in Robberds, Mem., I. 305. When I return from empusaland to reality.
4. A genus of the family Entomophthoreæ.
