parry

¹

[ par-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, par·ried, par·ry·ing.

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.

   Synonyms: preclude, obviate, prevent, elude, avert

verb (used without object)

, par·ried, par·ry·ing.

1. to parry a thrust, blow, etc.

noun

, plural par·ries.

1. an act or instance of parrying, as in fencing.
2. a defensive movement in fencing.

Parry

²

[ par-ee ]

noun

1. Milman, 1902–35, U.S. classical scholar and philologist.
2. William Edward, 1790–1855, English Arctic explorer.

Parry

¹

/ ˈpærɪ /

noun

1. ParrySir (Charles) Hubert18481918MEnglishMUSIC: composer Sir ( Charles ) Hubert ( Hastings ). 1848–1918, English composer, noted esp for his choral works
2. ParrySir William Edward17901855MEnglishTRAVEL AND EXPLORATION: explorer Sir William Edward. 1790–1855, English arctic explorer, who searched for the Northwest Passage (1819–25) and attempted to reach the North Pole (1827)

parry

²

/ ˈpærɪ /

verb

1. to ward off (an attack) by blocking or deflecting, as in fencing
2. tr to evade (questions), esp adroitly

noun

1. an act of parrying, esp (in fencing) using a stroke or circular motion of the blade
2. a skilful evasion, as of a question

Other Words From

• parri·a·ble adjective
• parri·er noun
• un·parried adjective
• un·parry·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parry¹

1665–75; < French parez, imperative of parer to ward off, set off < Latin parāre to set. See parade

Word History and Origins

Origin of parry¹

C17: from French parer to ward off, from Latin parāre to prepare

Example Sentences

English Football League chairman Rick Parry says he hopes a "seminal" review of the game by a new independent regulator could help overcome years of deadlock with the Premier League over a "fundamental financial reset".

From BBC

Parry says the Football Governance Bill is "an improvement" on a version introduced by the previous government, and which failed to become law before the General Election was called in May.

From BBC

After they were excluded from the previous bill, Parry is "pleased" that the regulator can now consider them if deemed of risk to financial sustainability.

From BBC

"We’re not saying they should be abolished," said Parry.

From BBC

Parry, who was the Premier League's first chief executive from 1992 to 1997, said the game needs "fairer distribution of revenues".

From BBC