Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.