munchausenism

/ˈmʊŋk(h)aʊzəˌnɪzəm/

Etymology

From the German name Münchhausen + -ism, after the fantastical adventures said to have been related by Baron Münchhausen (1720–1797). Compare German Münchhausengeschichte (“cock-and-bull story”). See also Münchausen syndrome.

noun

  1. An extravagant fiction embodying an account of some marvellous exploit or adventure.