Date: Fri Jun 20 10:26:58 EDT 1997
Subject: A.Word.A.Day--barmecide
bar.me.cide n. 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