Sallies

Sally Sal"ly, n.; pl. {Sallies}. [F. saillie, fr. saillir. See Sally, v.] 1. A leaping forth; a darting; a spring. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Sallies were made by the Spaniards, but they were beaten in with loss. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

3. An excursion from the usual track; range; digression; deviation. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

4. A flight of fancy, liveliness, wit, or the like; a flashing forth of a quick and active mind. [1913 Webster]

The unaffected mirth with which she enjoyed his sallies. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

5. Transgression of the limits of soberness or steadiness; act of levity; wild gayety; frolic; escapade. [1913 Webster]

The excursion was esteemed but a sally of youth. --Sir H. Wotton. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]