Sally

n. [Fr. saillie, Pr. salhia, Sp. salida, Pg. sahida, It. salita. See the verb.]

1. A leaping forth; a darting or shooting.
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.

Sallies were made by the Spaniards, but they were beaten in with loss. Bacon. 3. Excursion from the usual track; range; digression; deviation. He who often makes sallies into a country, and traverses it up and down, will know it better than one that goes always round in the same track. Locke.

4. A flight of fancy, liveliness, wit, or the like; a darting forth of a quick and active mind. “The unaffected mirth with which she enjoyed his sallies.” 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. Wotton.