Barʹmecide (3 syl.)

The word is used to express the uncertainty of things on which we set our heart. As the beggar looked forward to a feast, but found only empty dishes; so many a joy is found to be mere illusion when we come to partake of it.

“To-morrow! the mysterious unknown guest

Who cries aloud, ‘Remember Barmecide!

And tremble to be happy with the rest.ʹ”

Longfellow.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.