Parry

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

II. Parry ·vt To Avoid; to shift or put off; to Evade.

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

IV. Parry ·noun 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.