parries

transitive verb parried, parrying

1. to ward off or deflect (a blow, the thrust of a sword, etc.)
2. to counter or ward off (criticism, a prying question, etc.) by a clever or evasive response

Origin: prob. < Fr parez, imper. of parer < It parare, to ward off < L parare, to prepare

intransitive verb

noun pl. parries

1. a warding off or a turning aside of a blow, thrust, etc., as in fencing
2. an evasion; evasive reply