What is "parrying"

Parry \Par"ry\ (p[a^]r"r[y^]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parried (p[a^]r"r[e^]d); 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.

n. The act of one who parries. vb. (present participle of parry English)