Pleas"ant*ry (?), 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.
The grave abound in pleasantries, the dull in repartees and points of wit.
Addison.
The keen observation and ironical pleasantry of a finished man of the world.
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.