Parry /(păr"ry̆)/

imp. & p. p. Parried; p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying

1. To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.

   Vice parries wide The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.

2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.

   The French government has parried the payment of our claims.

1. To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.

pl. Parries

1. A warding off of a thrust or blow, as in sword and bayonet exercises or in boxing; hence, figuratively, a defensive movement in debate or other intellectual encounter.