First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
legend
noun leg·end \ˈle-jənd\
: a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true
: a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well
: a list that explains the symbols on a map
Full Definition of LEGEND
1
a : a story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly regarded as historical although not verifiable b : a body of such stories <a place in the legend of the frontier> c : a popular myth of recent origin d : a person or thing that inspires legends e : the subject of a legend <its violence was legend even in its own time — William Broyles Jr.>
2
a : an inscription or title on an object (as a coin) b : caption 2b c : an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart
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Origin of LEGEND
Middle English legende, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French legende, from Medieval Latin legenda, from Latin, feminine of legendus, gerundive of legere to gather, select, read; akin to Greek legein to gather, say, logos speech, word, reason
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LEGEND Defined for Kids
legend
noun leg·end \ˈle-jənd\
Definition of LEGEND for Kids
1
: an old story that is widely believed but cannot be proved to be true
2
: a person or thing that is very famous for having special qualities or abilities <a baseball legend>
3
: a list of symbols used (as on a map)
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