I. ˈsa-lē noun
( plural sallies )
Etymology: Middle French saillie, from Old French, from saillir to rush forward, from Latin salire to leap; akin to Greek hallesthai to leap
Date: 1560
1. : an action of rushing or bursting forth ; especially : a sortie of troops from a defensive position to attack the enemy
2.
a. : a brief outbreak : outburst
b. : a witty or imaginative saying : quip
3. : a venture or excursion usually off the beaten track : jaunt
II. intransitive verb
( sal·lied ; sal·ly·ing )
Date: 1560
1. : to leap out or burst forth suddenly
2. : set out , depart — often used with forth