legend Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
    fable.
  2. noun brief description accompanying an illustration
    caption.

WordNet

Leg"end noun
Etymology
OE. legende, OF. legende, F. légende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. to gather, speak. Cf. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.
Definitions
  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.
Leg"end transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To tell or narrate, as a legend. Bp. Hall.

Webster 1913