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.
v. t. - To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade.
v. i. - To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
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.