Word Direct Answers

What does "parry" mean?

Parry: To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade. The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc. Locke.
  2. 3.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.

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