legend /ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ənd/noun 15verb 1forms 3phrases 2 noun15 •an old and hard-to-believe story that people have told about the past for many years •A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.The legend of Troy was discovered to have a historical basis. •A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain. •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. •The life story of a saint (such stories are often embellished, but any kind is called a legend).As a child she had nothing to read but the legends of early Christian martyrs. •Such stories considered collectively; unverified traditional tales. •A person of extraordinary fame or accomplishments.Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.Sachin Tendulkar stands as a legend in cricket. •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. •An inscription, motto, or title, especially one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon a heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.[…]there were three small brass coins there, the gift of Ymar. Their legends, like their faces, had worn away; and they were dark with verdigris — in appearance precisely the ancient things they were. — 1987 •A person related to a legend or legends. •A leading protagonist in a historical legend.Achilles is a legend in Greek culture. •(informal, slang) A cool, nice or helpful person, especially one who is male.I've lost my pen! —Here mate, borrow mine. —You legend. •A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records.According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa. •A musical composition set to a poetical story. •The design and specification of a vessel.The legend displacement on the basis then in use was 48,000 tons, the corresponding standard displacement as defined by the Washington Treaty being 47,540 tons. — 1929 verb1 •(no longer used) To tell or narrate; to recount.Nor ladie's wanton love , nor wand'ring knight, Legend I out in rymes all richly dight — 1597 formslegended · legending · legends Phrases with legend legend in one's own lifetimeOne who achieves great fame while alive. legend in one's own lunchtimeOne whose fame is insignificant, fleeting or imaginary.
