Word Study
barmecide
CIDE DICTIONARY
barmecide, n. [A prince of the Barmecide family, who, as related in the “Arabian Nights' Tales”, pretended to set before the hungry Shacabac food, on which the latter pretended to feast.].
One who proffers some illusory advantage or benefit. Also used as an adj. : Barmecidal. Dickens. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
barmecide, adj. & n.
--adj. illusory, imaginary; such as to disappoint.
--n. a giver of benefits that are illusory or disappointing.
--adj. illusory, imaginary; such as to disappoint.
--n. a giver of benefits that are illusory or disappointing.
Etymology
the name of a wealthy man in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who gave a beggar a feast consisting of ornate but empty dishes
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