legend
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
< Middle English legende < Old French legende < Mediaeval Latin legenda (“‘a legend, story, esp. the lives of the saints, orig. things to be read’”), neut. pl. of fut. pass. part. of legere (“‘to read’”).
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈlɛʤ.ənd/
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
legend (plural legends)
- A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events. Also historical legend.
- The legend of Troy was discovered to have historical basis.
- A story in which a kernel of truth is embellished to an unlikely degree.
- The 1984 Rose Bowl prank has spawned many legends. Here's the real story.
- A leading protagonist in a historical legend.
- Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.
- Any person of extraordinary accomplishment.
- Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.
- A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.
- According to the legend on the map, that building is a school.
- The text on a coin.
- A fabricated backstory for spies, complete with appropriate documents and records.
- According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.
- 1992, Ronald Kessler, Inside the CIA, 1994 Pocket Books edition, ISBN 067173458X, page 115:
- If the documents are needed to establish "a light legend," meaning a superficial cover story, no steps are taken to make sure that if someone calls the college or motor vehicle department, the name on the document will be registered.
- 2003, Rodney Carlisle, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Spies and Espionage, Alpha Books, ISBN 0028644182, page 105:
- Sorge solidified his own position by returning to Germany and developing a new legend. He joined the Nazi Party […] .
- 2005, Curtis Peebles, Twilight Warriors, Naval Institute Press, ISBN 1591146607, page 25:
- Both the agent's legend and documents were intended to stand up against casual questions from Soviet citizens, such as during a job interview, or a routine police document check, such as were made at railway stations.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events
any person of extraordinary accomplishment
key to the symbols and color codes on a map
[edit] External links
- legend in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- legend in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
