Sortie (?; 277), n. [F., fr. sortir to go out, to issue, probably fr. L. sortus, for surrectus, p. p. of surgere to raise up, to rise up. See Source.] (Mil.) The sudden issuing of a body of troops, usually small, from a besieged place to attack or harass the besiegers; a sally.
[1913 Webster]