Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPEC'TER, n. [Fr. spectre; from L. spectrum, from specto, to behold.]

1. An apparition; the appearance of a person who is dead, a ghost. The ghosts of traitors from the bridge descend, / With bold fanatic specters to rejoice. – Dryden.
2. Something made preternaturally visible.
3. In conchology, a species of Voluta, marked with reddish broad bands. – Cyc.