ˈscare-devil
[f. scare v. + devil n.]
† 1. A name for plants of the genus Hypericum, formerly supposed to possess the power of curing persons possessed with devils. Obs. rare—1.
| 1751 G. Lavington Enthus. Meth. & Papists iii. (1754) 178 Such is the herb Hypericum, called also St. John's-Wort, and Scare-Devil. |
2. dial. A name for the Swift (Cypselus apus), perh. with reference to its dark colour and rapid flight.
| 1831 Montagu's Ornith. Dict. 462 Skeer devil..Skir devil. A name for the swift. 1886 Elworthy W. Som. Word-bk., Scare-devil, the swift. |