Hum"bug`, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Humbugged (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Humbugging (?).] To deceive; to impose; to cajole; to
hoax.
Hum"bug` (?), n. [Prob. fr. hum
to impose on, deceive + bug a frightful object.]
1. An imposition under fair pretenses; something
contrived in order to deceive and mislead; a trick by cajolery; a
hoax.
2. A spirit of deception; cajolery;
trickishness.
3. One who deceives or misleads; a deceitful
or trickish fellow; an impostor. Sir J. Stephen.