Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Barmecide
Bar′me-cide
,Noun.
[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 : Barmecidal.
“A Barmecide feast.” Adj.
Dickens.