subs. (theatrical).—1. The dialogue of a play; especially used at first, of the patter of clowns, etc., in a circus. [From the figurative usage of CACKLE, to make a noise as a hen after laying an egg, a usage traceable as far back as 1225.]
1887. Referee, 21 Aug., p. 2, col. 3. Those [playgoers] who do not insist upon a very high order of literary quality in the CACKLE.
2. (colloquial).—Idle, inconsequent, noisy chatter.
1676. A. RIVETUS, Jun. Mr. Smirke, 18. Bedawb’d with Addle Eggs of the Animadverters own CACKLE.
1887. Punch, 10 Sept., p. 111. If a feller would tackle a feminine fair up to Dick, he ’as got to be dabs at the CACKLE.
Verb (old).—To talk idly, especially in the sense of telling secrets. For synonyms, see PEACH.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. The cull is leaky, and CACKLES; the rogue tells all.
1882. Punch, LXXXII., 177, 2.
| The old jokers in scarlet and erming who lounge in their red bedroom-chairs, | |
| And the cinder-wig’d toffs in alpaca who CACKLE and give themselves airs. |
