Category:Sally

Sal"ly, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sallied; p. pr. & vb. n. Sallying.] Etym: [f. saillir, fr. L. salire to leap, spring, akin to gr. Sallient, Assail, assault, exult, insult, saltation, saltire.]

Defn: to leap or rush out; to burst forth; to issue suddenly; as a Body of troops from a fortified place to attack besiegers; to make a Sally. They break the truce, and sally out by night. Dryden. The foe retires, -- she heads the sallying host. Byron.

Sally Sal"ly, n.; pl. Sallies. Etym: [f. saillie, fr. sailir. See sally, V.]

1. A leaping forth; a darting; a spring.

2. A rushing or bursting forth; a quick issue; a sudden eruption; Specifically, an issuing of troops from a place besieged to attack The besiegers; a sortie. Sallies were made by the spaniards, but they were beaten in with Loss. Bacon.

3. An excursion from the usual track; range; digression; deviation. Every one shall know a country better that makes often sallies into It, and traverses it up and down, than he that. . . goes still round In the same track. Locke.

4. A flight of fancy, liveliness, wit, or the like; a flashing forth Of a quick and active mind. The unaffected mirth with which she enjoyed his sallies. Sir w. Scott.

5. Transgression of the limits of soberness or steadiness; act of Levity; wild gayety; frolic; escapade. The excursion was esteemed but a sally of youth. Sir h. Wotton. Sally port. (a) (fort.) A postern gate, or a passage underground, From the inner to the outer works, to afford free egress for troops In a sortie. (b) (naval) a large port on each quarter of a fireship, For the escape of the men into boats when the train is fired; a large Port in an old-fashioned three-decker or a large modern ironclad.