Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pleasantry \Pleas"ant*ry\, n.; pl. {Pleasantries}. [F.
   plaisanterie. See {Pleasant}.]
   That which denotes or promotes pleasure or good humor;
   cheerfulness; gayety; merriment; especially, an agreeable
   playfulness in conversation; a jocose or humorous remark;
   badinage.

         The grave abound in pleasantries, the dull in repartees
         and points of wit.                       --Addison.

         The keen observation and ironical pleasantry of a
         finished man of the world.               --Macaulay.

Source : WordNet®

pleasantry
     n : an agreeable or amusing remark; "they exchange pleasantries"