n. & v.
--n.
1. fuss and bother, esp. prolonged and tedious.
2 profuse or idle talk.
3 cajolery.
4 colloq. an affair or business.
5 esp. hist. a parley between African or other natives and traders.
--v.
1. intr. talk profusely.
2 tr. flatter, wheedle.
Etymology: Port. palavra word f. L (as PARABLE)