Parry
Parry (par"ry) , transitive verb
[French paré, past participle of parer. See Pare, transitive verb]
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
Vice parries wide
The undreaded volley with a sword of straw.
2.
To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
The French government has parried the payment of our claims.
parry , intransitive verb
To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc. — Locke
parry ({not transcribed}) , 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.