Palaver, n.
Etymology: [Sp. palabra, or Pg. palavra, fr. L. parabola a comparison, a parable, LL., a word. See Parable.]
1. Talk; conversation; esp., idle or beguiling talk; talk intended to deceive; flattery.
2. In Africa, a parley with the natives; a talk; hence, a public conference and deliberation; a debate. This epoch of parliaments and eloquent palavers. Carlyle.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Palaver, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Palavered; p. pr. & vb. n. Palavering.]
To make palaver with, or to; to used palaver;to talk idly or deceitfully; to employ flattery; to cajole; as, to palaver artfully. Palavering the little language for her benefit. C. Bront
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for palaver; he lists it under babble.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.