[rep.ar.tee] n [F repartie, fr. repartir to retort, fr. MF, fr. re- + partir to divide--more at part] (ca. 1645) 1 a: a quick and witty reply b: a succession or interchange of clever retorts: amusing and usu. light sparring with words
2: adroitness and cleverness in reply: skill in repartee syn see wit