Leg"end (lĕj"ĕnd or lē"jĕnd;
277), n. [OE. legende, OF. legende,
F. légende, 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.
Leg"end, v. t. To tell or narrate,
as a legend. Bp. Hall.