Par"ry (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parried (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying.] [F. par'e, p. p. of parer. See Pare, v. t.]
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.
Vice parries wide
The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
Cowper.
2.
To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
The French government has parried the payment of our claims.
E. Everett.
© Webster 1913.
Par"ry, v. i.
To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
Locke.
© Webster 1913.
Par"ry, n.; pl. Parries ().
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.
© Webster 1913.