Legend \Leg"end\ (l[e^]j"[e^]nd or l[=e]"j[e^]nd; 277), n. [OE.
legende, OF. legende, F. l['e]gende, LL. legenda, fr. L.
legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr.
le`gein to gather, speak. Cf. Collect, Dialogue,
Lesson, Logic.]
1. That which is appointed to be read; especially, a
chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly
read at matins, and in the refectories of religious
houses.
2. A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous
nature. --Addison.
3. Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not
verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.
And in this legend all that glorious deed Read,
whilst you arm you. --Fairfax.
4. An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the
field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic
shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.
Golden legend. See under Golden.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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