Meaning and Origin
What does the name Parry mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Parry
User Submitted Origins
English
83%
Welsh
17%
User Submitted Meanings
- According to a user from the United Kingdom, the name Parry means "Comes from 'ap Harri' meaning 'son of Harry'".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
verb Par"ry
Senses
- To ward off; to stop, or to turn aside; as, to parry a thrust, a blow, or anything that means or threatens harm."Vice parries wide The undreaded volley with a sword of straw." [Cowper.]
- To avoid; to shift or put off; to evade."The French government has parried the payment of our claims." [E. Everett.]
Etymology: F. paré, p. p. of parer. See Pare (v. t.)
verb par"ry
To ward off, evade, or turn aside something, as a blow, argument, etc.
noun par"ry
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.
Other Dictionary Sources
- A return punch (especially by a boxer)
- (fencing) blocking a lunge or deflecting it with a circular motion of the sword
- Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
- Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
Wiktionary
Anglicised from Welsh ap Harri, "son of Henry".
- A surname.