Leg"end (l&ebreve;j"&ebreve;nd or lē"j&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. 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.

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, v. t. To tell or narrate, as a legend. Bp. Hall.

• A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events. Also historical legend
        The legend of Troy was discovered to have historical basis.
  
• 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.
  
• A leading protagonist in a historical legend.
        Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.
  
• Any person of extraordinary accomplishment.
        Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.
  
• 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.