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.
To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade. The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett.
To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc. Locke.
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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