Parry

Definition

1. To make a purely defensive action with the sword that brings your opponent's point off-line in the case of a thrust or collects, deflects, or crosses their blade in the case of a cut.
2. (per Fabris) To deflect, with the sword, an attack of the opponent's sword. Note that Fabris referred merely to the defensive part of an action as a parry; parrying did not preclude counterattacking in the same tempo.

Rapier

When performing a parry with the rapier it is good form to meet your opponent's blade with the true edge and strong of your own while keeping your point on-line for the attack.