Pleasantries

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Pleasantry \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.


     [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]