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sallies |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Sally \Sal"ly\, n.; pl {Sallies}. [F. saillie, fr saillir 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.
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