from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Parry \Par"ry\ (p[a^]r"r[y^]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Parried}
(p[a^]r"r[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Parrying}.] [F. par['e], p.
p. of parer. See {Pare}, v. t.]
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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.
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Vice parries wide
The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
--Cowper.
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2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
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The French government has parried the payment of our
claims. --E. Everett.
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