pleasantry
/ˈplɛzəntɹi/ noun
Forms pleasantries
- noun (sometimes proscribed) A casual, courteous remark.
- noun A playful remark; a jest.
- noun (dated) Anything that promotes pleasure or merriment.
Etymology
From pleasant + -ry, probably modelled on Middle French plaisanterie.
Webster’s 1913
- noun That which denotes or promotes pleasure or good humor; cheerfulness; gayety; merriment; especially, an agreeable playfulness in conversation; a jocose or humorous remark; badinage.
Etymology [F. plaisanterie. See Pleasant.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “pleasantry”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details