I. ˈparē, -ri also ˈper- verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Middle French, from Old Provençal parar, from Latin parare to make ready, prepare — more at pare
intransitive verb
1. : to ward off a weapon or blow by means of a parry
he parried in tierce and his blade continued along his opponent's sword — Frank Yerby
2. : to evade or turn aside something by a similar defensive technique
can parry and thrust … without losing the thread of his argument — Stewart Cockburn
transitive verb
1. : to ward off or turn aside (as a thrust or blow) by means of a parry
the knife had … parried the blow from the traitor's useless sword — W.H.G.Kingston
2. : to turn aside or otherwise avert
to parry the encroachment of modifying forces, he made a virtue of his way of life — W.M.Kollmorgen
especially : to avoid (as a question) by a skillfull or adroit answer : evade
parried every question with plain skill — New Republic
Synonyms: see dodge
II. noun
( -es )
1. : a defensive action made (as with a blade or glove) to deflect a thrust or blow from an opponent
2. : a defensive movement held to be similar to the parry
skillful in the thrust and parry of debate — Josiah Royce