Par"ry (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Parried (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Parrying.] [F. paré, 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.
Par"ry, v. i. To ward off, evade,
or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
Locke.
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.
