Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Parry \Par"ry\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Parried}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Parrying}.] [F. par['e], p. p. of parer. See {Pare}, v. t.]
   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.                             --Cowper.

   2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.

            The French government has parried the payment of our
            claims.                               --E. Everett.