Parry (părr&ybreve_;), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parried (părr&ebreve_;d); p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying.] [F. paré, p. p. of parer. See Pare, v. t.]
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1. To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm. Locke.
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Vice parries wide
The undreaded volley with a sword of straw. Cowper.
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2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
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The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett.
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parry, n.; pl. Parries (&unr_;). 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.
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