Sally

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Intransitive verb 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Etymologies 1.2.2 See also 1.2.3 Translations

English

Intransitive verb

to sally (third-person singular simple present sallies, present participle sallying, simple past sallied, past participle sallied)

1. To make a sudden attack on an enemy from a defended position.

   The troops sallied in desperation.

2. To set out on an excursion; venture (often followed by "forth.")

   As she sallied forth from her boudoir, you would never have guessed how quickly she could strip for action. -William Manchester

3. To venture off the beaten path.

   A sally into the wide world beyond his home. (like foray.)

Noun

Sally (plural sallies)

1. A sortie of troops from a besieged place against an enemy.
2. A sudden rushing forth.
3. An excursion or side trip.
4. A witty statement or quip.
5. A willow

Etymologies

1. most senses from the French saillie, past participle of the verb sallir, itself from Latin salire 'to leap'
2. (rod) from the botanical name in Latin: Salix, as in 'sally rod'

See also

• Sally
• sally port
• sortie

Translations

• Dutch: uitval (1,2,4), wilgenroede (rod)
• Finnish: rynnäköidä (1), sutkaista (2)
• German: Ausfall (1,2)