pleasantry Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pleas"ant*ry noun

Etymology

F. plaisanterie. See Pleasant.

Wordforms

plural Pleasantries

Definitions

1. 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.