Defn: 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.
PARSE
Parse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Parsing.] Etym:
[L. pars a part; pars orationis a part of speech. See Part, n.]
(Gram.)
Defn: To resolve into its elements, as a sentence, pointing out the several parts of speech, and their relation to each other by government or agreement; to analyze and describe grammatically. Let him construe the letter into English, and parse it over perfectly. Ascham.
PARSEE
Par"see, n. Etym: [Hind. & Per. parsi a Persian, a follower of
Zoroaster, a fire worshiper. Cf. Persian.]
1. One of the adherents of the Zoroastrian or ancient Persian religion, descended from Persian refugees settled in India; a fire worshiper; a Gheber.
2. The Iranian dialect of much of the religious literature of the Parsees.
PARSEEISM
Par"see*ism, n.
Defn: The religion and customs of the Parsees.
PARSER
Pars"er, n.
Defn: One who parses.