Sarcasm, n.
Etymology: [F. sarcasme, L. sarcasmu, Gr.
A keen, reproachful expression; a satirical remark uttered with some degree of scorn or contempt; a taunt; a gibe; a cutting jest. The sarcasms of those critics who imagine our art to be a matter of inspiration. Sir J. Reynolds.
Syn. -- Satire; irony; ridicule; taunt; gibe.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for sarcasm; he lists it under banter.
Where he writes about it:
A satire is a formal composition; a sarcasm may be an impromptu sentence. — from banter
The satire shows up follies to keep people from them; the sarcasm hits them because they are foolish, without inquiring whether it will do good or harm; the satire is plainly uttered; the sarcasm is covert. — from banter