Parry

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( v. i.) To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.

(2): ( v. t.) To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.

(3): ( v. t.) To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm.

(4): ( n.) 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.

King James Dictionary

Par'Ry,

1. In fencing, to ward off to stop or to put or turn by as, to parry a thrust. 2. To ward off to turn aside to prevent a blow from taking effect. 3. To avoid to shift off.

The French government has parried the payment of our claims.

Par'Ry, To ward off to put by thrusts or strokes to fence.