the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. 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 Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Good humor; cheerfulness; sprightliness.
n. Humorousness: jocularity; witticism; raillery; wit.
n. A sprightly or humorous saying; a jest.
n. A laughable trick; a prank; a caper: as, the pleasantries of monkeys. Addison.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. an agreeable or amusing remark
Word Usage
"The groundwork of the pleasantry is the identity in form of the proper name with the common noun 'will.'"