riding-hag

Definition

1. Noun (slang):
   • Nightmare: "riding-hag" is an archaic or dialectal term for a nightmare, particularly one that is oppressive or feels like a supernatural entity is pressing down on the sleeper.

Usage Examples

• (He experienced a disturbing nightmare.)
• (A mythical creature causing a nightmare.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a riding-hag": to experience a nightmare with a sense of physical pressure.
  • She woke up gasping for air, convinced she had a riding-hag. (She felt she had a terrifying dream with a crushing sensation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ride (v/n): to sit on and control an animal or vehicle; in folklore, to be oppressed by a supernatural being.
  • The witch was said to ride the sleeping man. (A supernatural being torments a sleeper.)
• Hag (n): an ugly old woman, often associated with witchcraft in folklore.
  • The hag was blamed for causing bad dreams. (An old witch figure.)

Synonyms

• Nightmare: a frightening or unpleasant dream.
• Incubus: a male demon believed to lie on sleeping women and cause nightmares.
• Succubus: a female demon believed to lie on sleeping men and cause nightmares.

Related Idioms

• To have a bad dream: to experience an unpleasant night's sleep.
  • He tossed and turned all night, plagued by a riding-hag. (He had a restless night due to a nightmare.)

Notes on Usage

• This word is slang and largely archaic or dialectal, rarely used in modern English except in historical or folkloric contexts. It is more common in British dialects, especially in northern England and Scotland.