| 释义 |
Barmecide|ˈbɑːmɪsaɪd|
Patronymic of a family of princes ruling at Bagdad just before Haroun-al-Raschid, concerning one of whom the story is told in the Arabian Nights, that he put a succession of empty dishes before a beggar, pretending that they contained a sumptuous repast—a fiction which the beggar humorously accepted. Hence, one who offers imaginary food or illusory benefits. Often attrib.
1713Guardian No. 162 The Barmecide was sitting at his table that seemed ready covered for an entertainment. 1842Dickens Amer. Notes (1850) 81/1 It is a Barmecide Feast; a pleasant field for the imagination to rove in. 1854Thackeray Newcomes II. 103 My dear Barmecide friend. 1863Reader II. 506 Sharing the boundless hospitality of a Barmecide. |