1. (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.

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

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

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.

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