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.