The term 'bandied words' refers to a situation in which two people are exchanging words, often in an argumentative or confrontational manner. The crossword solution for this term is 'SPARRED, ' which means to engage in a verbal dispute or altercation. This term is often used in boxing, where two opponents will spar with each other in order to practice their skills and techniques. In the same way, when two people are bandying words, they are engaging in a verbal battle of wits.