wampus

/ˈwɑmpəs/
noun
  1. A mythical creature said to live in the woods, often described as a large, fierce animal; used in folklore and tall tales.
    • No one has ever caught a wampus, but many claim to have heard it.
    • According to legend, the wampus has glowing eyes and a terrible howl.
    • The campers told stories about the wampus that prowled the forest at night.
Synonyms