I. ˈban-tər verb
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1676
transitive verb
1. : to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner
2. archaic : delude
3. chiefly Southern & Midland : challenge
intransitive verb
: to speak or act playfully or wittily
• ban·ter·er -tər-ər noun
• ban·ter·ing·ly ˈban-tə-riŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1690
: good-natured and usually witty and animated joking