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Definition of parrying - 3 dictionary results

par⋅ry

  [par-ee] verb, -ried, -ry⋅ing, noun, plural -ries.
Use parrying in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to ward off (a thrust, stroke, weapon, etc.), as in fencing; avert.
2. to turn aside; evade or dodge: to parry an embarrassing question.
–verb (used without object)
3. to parry a thrust, blow, etc.
–noun
4. an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.
5. a defensive movement in fencing.
Origin:
1665–75; < F parez, impv. of parer to ward off, set off < L parāre to set. See parade

Related forms:
par⋅ri⋅a⋅ble, adjective
par⋅ri⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
2. avert; elude; prevent, obviate, preclude.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To parrying
par·ry   (pār'ē)   
v.   par·ried, par·ry·ing, par·ries

v.   tr.

  1. To deflect or ward off (a fencing thrust, for example).

  2. To deflect, evade, or avoid: He skillfully parried the question with a clever reply.

v.   intr.
To deflect or ward off a thrust or blow.
n.   pl. par·ries

  1. The deflecting or warding off of a thrust or blow, as in fencing.

  2. An evasive answer or action.


[Probably from French parez, imperative of parer, to defend, from Italian parare, from Latin parāre, to prepare; see perə-1 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

parry  (v.)
1634, from Fr. parez! (which commonly would have been heard in fencing lessons), imper. of parer "ward off," from It. parare "to ward or defend a blow," from L. parare "make ready, prepare" (see pare). Non-fencing use is from 1718.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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