Stave off having to pay out for a roller (5)

I believe the answer is:

parry

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'stave off' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for parry that I've seen before include "Ward off blow or evade skilfully" , "Fend off (a blow)" , "Duck" , "Answer evasively; 'Jerusalem' composer" , "Block a blow" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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