[ban.ter] vb [origin unknown] vt (1676) 1: to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner
2. archaic: delude 3 chiefly Southern & Midland: challenge ~ vi: to speak or act playfully or wittily -- ban.ter.er n -- ban.ter.ing.ly adv
[2]banter n (1690): good-natured and usu. witty and animated joking