/plez"euhn tree/ , n. , pl. pleasantries .
1. good-humored teasing; banter.
2. a humorous or jesting remark.
3. a courteous social remark used to initiate or facilitate a conversation: to exchange pleasantries.
4. a humorous action.
[ 1645-55; plaisanterie, OF plesanterie. See PLEASANT, -RY ]