Barmecide

Bar″me‐cide (�), 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. “A Barmecide feast.” Dickens.