n.; pl.Pleasantries [ F. plaisanterie. See Pleasant. ] That which denotes or promotes pleasure or good humor; cheerfulness; gayety; merriment; especially, an agreeable playfulness in conversation; a jocose or humorous remark; badinage. [ 1913 Webster ]
The grave abound in pleasantries, the dull in repartees and points of wit. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
The keen observation and ironical pleasantry of a finished man of the world. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]