vi to ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, ·etc.
2. parry ·vt to avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
3. 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.
4. 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.