Incubus \In"cu*bus\, n.; pl. E. {Incubuses}, L. {Incubi}. [L.,
the nightmare. Cf. {Incubate}.]
1. A demon; a fiend; a lascivious spirit, supposed to have
sexual intercourse with women by night. --Tylor.

The devils who appeared in the female form were
generally called succubi; those who appeared like
men incubi, though this distinction was not always
preserved. --Lecky.

2. (Med.) The nightmare. See {Nightmare}.

Such as are troubled with incubus, or witch-ridden,
as we call it. --Burton.

3. Any oppressive encumbrance or burden; anything that
prevents the free use of the faculties.

Debt and usury is the incubus which weighs most
heavily on the agricultural resources of Turkey.
--J. L.
Farley.