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. “A Barmecide feast.” Dickens. [ 1913 Webster ]