PLEASANTRIES
Noun
pleasantries
plural of pleasantry
Noun
pleasantries pl (plural only)
A short polite conversation before a serious conversation.
Anagrams
• anistreplase, paternalises
Source: Wiktionary
PLEASANTRY
Pleas"ant*ry, n.; pl. Pleasantries. Etym: [F. plaisanterie. See
Pleasant.]
Definition: 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: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition