legend
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English legende, from Old French legende, from Medieval Latin legenda (“a legend, story, especially the lives of the saints, originally things to be read”), neuter plural of the future past participle of legere (“to read”).
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈlɛʤ.ənd/
[edit] Noun
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.
- (Australian, slang) (Ireland, slang) A worthy friend.
- Cheers mate for fixing my car, you're a legend.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events
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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
[edit] Dutch
[edit] Verb
legend
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] German
[edit] Verb
legend
- Present participle of legen.
