n. & v.
--n.
1. a clucking sound as of a hen or a goose.
2 a loud silly laugh.
3 noisy inconsequential talk.
--v.
1. intr. emit a cackle.
2 intr. talk noisily and inconsequentially.
3 tr. utter or express with a cackle.
Phrases and idioms:
cut the cackle colloq. stop talking aimlessly and come to the point.
Etymology: ME prob. f. MLG, MDu. kakelen (imit.)