Foil a foil (5)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
parry
(Other definitions for parry that I've seen before include "Ward off - English composer, d. 1918" , "Fend off (a blow)" , "Answer evasively; 'Jerusalem' composer" , "Deflect (a blow)" , "Impede movement" .)