Which of the following terms is used to describe spurious words which are the result of inadvertent errors made by copyists, printers, and editors?

Correct option is B

Explanation:
"Ghostwords" refer to words that have mistakenly entered dictionaries or texts due to errors by copyists, typesetters, editors, or printers. These words often arise from misreadings, typographical mistakes, or misinterpretations of manuscripts. The term was coined by lexicographer W.W. Skeat in the 19th century to describe such phantom entries. Ghostwords are unique in that they lack a genuine origin or usage in actual language; they exist solely as accidents or anomalies in the recording process. They underscore the complexities and challenges in preserving and transmitting accurate linguistic records over time.

Information Booster:
W.W. Skeat, a renowned philologist, introduced the term "ghostwords" to critique inaccuracies in lexicography.
A classic example of a ghostword is "abacot," which was a misreading of "bycoket" (a medieval headgear).
Errors like ghostwords highlight the difficulty in creating error-free dictionaries and texts, especially before modern printing and proofreading standards.
The phenomenon illustrates the evolution of language and the influence of human error on linguistic history.

Additional Knowledge:
Dudwords: This term is not linguistically recognized but could colloquially imply "false words."
Protowords: These are early or primitive forms of words used by children before developing full language proficiency, often resembling real words in structure.
Pseudowords: These are invented or fake words used in linguistic experiments. Unlike ghostwords, pseudowords are deliberately created and do not result from errors.