Sally /(săl"ly̆)/

imp. & p. p. Sallied; p. pr. & vb. n. Sallying

1. 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.

   The foe retires, -- she heads the sallying host.

pl. Sallies

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.

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.

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.

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.