GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Parry , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parried ; p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying.] [F. paré, p. p. of parer. See Pare, v. t.]
   1913 Webster
   To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   Vice parries wide
   The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
   Cowper.
   
   1913 Webster
   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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2.       
   parry, v. i. To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
   Locke.
   
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3.       
   parry, n.; pl. Parries . 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.
   1913 Webster