Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Humbug
Hum′bug′ (hŭm′bŭg′), 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.
Hum′bug′, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Humbugged; p. pr. & vb. n. Humbugging.] To deceive; to impose; to cajole; to hoax.