Definition of Barmecidal
:providing only the illusion of abundance
- a Barmecidal feast
-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- dotage, dotard otherwise federalism bodega carceral
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Explore Merriam-Webster
Barmecidal was our Word of the Day on 07/19/2010. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Did You Know?
Barmecide is the name of a family of princes in a tale from The Thousand and One Nights (also known as The Arabian Nights' Entertainment). One prince in the family torments a beggar by inviting him to a fabulous feast, at which all the dishes are imaginary. The poor man plays along with his malicious host, pretending to get drunk on the imaginary wine; he then gets even by knocking down the patronizing royal.
Origin and Etymology of barmecidal
Barmecide, a wealthy Persian, who, in a tale of The Arabian Nights' Entertainments, invited a beggar to a feast of imaginary food
Learn More about barmecidal
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Barmecidal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
