SALLY (2)

sally (2). Sally, v.i. to make an eruption, rush out, issue out

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Sal″ly, n.; pl. Sallies (#). [[F. saillie, fr. saillir. See Sally, v.]] 1. 1. A leaping forth; a darting; a spring.
2. 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. 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. 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. 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.