sally1
n.
(pl. sallies)
- a sortie.
- a witty or lively retort.
v.
(sallies, sallying, sallied)
make a sortie; set forth.
Etymology
ME: from Fr. saillie, fem. past part. (used as n.) of saillir ‘come or jut out’, from OFr. salir ‘to leap’, from L. salire.
sally2
n.
(pl. sallies)
the part of a bell rope that has coloured wool woven into it to provide a grip for the bell-ringer's hands.
Etymology
C17 (denoting the first movement of a bell when set for ringing): perh. from sally1 in the sense ‘leaping motion’.
sally3
n.
(pl. sallies or sallees)
Austral. an acacia or eucalyptus that resembles a willow.
Etymology
C19: dial. var. of sallow2.
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