Relating to giving the appearance of generosity or abundance while providing nothing of real value; deceptively generous.
From the Barmecide family in the Arabian Nights tale, who served imaginary feasts to a hungry man. The story became proverbial in English for false generosity and hollow promises.
This word from the Arabian Nights became part of English through translation—it's the only English word that comes directly from that famous tale, proving how powerful stories shape language across cultures!
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