succubae
Definition
- Noun (plural form of ):
- Mythological female demon: "Succubae" refers to plural entities in folklore and mythology, specifically female demons believed to seduce men, especially during sleep, often associated with nightmares or sexual temptation.
- Etymology: Derived from Latin succuba meaning "strumpet" or "one who lies under" (referring to a demon that assumes female form to have sexual intercourse with sleeping men).
Usage Examples
- (Plural female demons in folklore.)
- (Mythological beings causing harm during sleep.)
Advanced Usage
- "Succubae and incubi": In demonology, succubae (female) and incubi (male) are paired as counterparts, with succubae seducing men and incubi seducing women.
- The grimoire listed both succubae and incubi as agents of nocturnal torment. (Both male and female demon types.)
Variants and Related Words
Succubus (n, singular): a single female demon of this type.
- He claimed a succubus visited him in his sleep. (One demon.)
Incubus (n): the male counterpart of a succubus.
- The legend of the incubus is similar to that of the succubus. (Male demon.)
Synonyms
- Lilith: a female demon in Jewish mythology often associated with succubae.
- Night hag: a folkloric entity that torments sleepers, similar to a succubus.
Related Idioms
- "To be visited by a succubus": an idiomatic expression meaning to experience intense sexual dreams or nightmares.
- After the fever, he felt as if he had been visited by a succubus. (Implies a disturbing, dreamlike experience.)
Cultural Note
- In modern usage, "succubae" is rare; the plural "succubi" is more common (though both are grammatically valid from Latin). The term appears most often in discussions of mythology, Gothic literature, or role-playing games.