parry

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Parried p. pr. & vb. n. Parrying. ] [ F. paré, p. p. of parer. See Pare, v. t. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Vice parries wide
The undreaded volley with a sword of straw. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade. [ 1913 Webster ]

The French government has parried the payment of our claims. E. Everett. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]