See Also: Barmecide(dictionary)

Barmecide (iou)



Barmecide noun & adjective. E18.
[Arab. barmaki, the patronymic of a prince in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments who feasted a beggar on a succession of empty dishes to test his humour.]
A. noun. A person who offers imaginary food or illusory benefits. E18.
b. attrib. or as adjective. Illusory, unreal; offering imaginary food or illusory benefits. M19.
Barme'cidal adjective illusory, unreal M19.