Noun
Pleasantry or slight satire; banter; jesting language; satirical merriment.
Source: Webster's dictionaryRaillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature. Montesquieu
Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit. Aristotle
In the middle ages of Christianity opposition to the State opinions was hushed. The consequence was, Christianity became loaded with all the Romish follies. Nothing but free argument, raillery & even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion. Thomas Jefferson
You are devoted to interests from which it is impossible to gain intelligence or prudence or a proper disposition of reverence toward the gods, but only stupid contention, unbridled ambition, vain grief, senseless joy, and raillery and extravagance. Dio Chrysostom
Raillery is a kind of mirth which takes possession of the imagination, and shows every object in an absurd light; wit combines more or less softness or harshness. François de La Rochefoucauld
For conversation well endued; She calls it witty to be rude; And, placing raillery in railing, Will tell aloud your greatest failing. Jonathan Swift