Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Anglo-Ind.) to flatter.

1849		W.H. Jeremie Furlough Reminiscences 198: Phuslou Tewarry (President). O Pandy, terrible news for us, Luchha Ram of the Light Company has been put under arrest by the Adjutant Sahib, and there is no way of saving him; there can be no doubt he was absent from his guard smoking with some budmashes. [footnote: Phuslou from Phuslana. – To humbug.].
1886		Yule & Burnell Hobson-Jobson 272/1: Foozilow, To, v. The imperative p’husl?o of the Hind. verb p’husl?n?, to flatter or cajole, used, in a common Anglo-Indian fashion [...] as a verbal infinitive.