Legend (l&ebreve_;j&ebreve_;nd or lēj&ebreve_;nd; 277), n. [OE. legende, OF. legende, F. légende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. legein to gather, speak. Cf. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.]
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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.
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2. A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature. Addison.
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3. Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.
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And in this legend all that glorious deed
Read, whilst you arm you. Fairfax.
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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.
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Golden legend. See under Golden.
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