I. ˈbantə(r), -aan- verb
( bantered ; bantered ; bantering -ntəriŋ also -n.triŋ ; banters )
Etymology: origin unknown
transitive verb
1. : to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner
the students enjoyed their teacher's bantering them about mistakes
: act playfully and teasingly with
banter the ladies
2. archaic : to delude or trick especially by way of jest
3. obsolete : ridicule
4. chiefly South & Midland : dare , challenge
I'll banter you to a game of checkers
he bantered him for a fight
5. chiefly South & Midland : to coax into action by argument or haggling : wheedle
he'd like to banter you for a horse swap
intransitive verb
: to tease good-naturedly : speak or act playfully or wittily
he bantered and romped with his grandchildren — Time
II. noun
( -s )
1.
a. obsolete : absurd or nonsensical language used as ridicule
b. : good-natured and usually witty and playful teasing
the sprightly banter of a tea party
: animated joking back and forth
banter between husband and wife
: playfulness
the tragic mood predominates but a considerable infusion of delightful banter relieves it — Arthur Berger
2. archaic : an instance of good-natured teasing