legendとは

発音

• IPA^(key): /ˈlɛdʒ.ənd/

名詞

legend (countable かつ uncountable, 複数形 legends)

1. A unrealistic story depicting past events.
   1. A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.

      The legend of Troy was discovered to have a historical basis.

   2. A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain.

      The legend of Robin Hood/the legend of Prester John/the legend of Coriolanus.

   3. 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.

   4. A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records; a cover story.

      According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.

      • 1992, Ronald Kessler, Inside the CIA, 1994 Pocket Books edition, →ISBN, page 115:

        If the documents are needed to establish "a light legend," meaning a superficial cover story, no steps are taken to make sure that if someone calls the college or motor vehicle department, the name on the document will be registered.

      • 2003, Rodney Carlisle, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Spies and Espionage, Alpha Books, →ISBN, page 105:

        Sorge solidified his own position by returning to Germany and developing a new legend. He joined the Nazi Party […] .

      • 2005, Curtis Peebles, Twilight Warriors, Naval Institute Press, →ISBN, page 25:

        Both the agent's legend and documents were intended to stand up against casual questions from Soviet citizens, such as during a job interview, or a routine police document check, such as were made at railway stations.

2. A person related to a legend or legends.
   1. A leading protagonist in a historical legend.

      Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.

   2. A person with legend-like qualities, such as extraordinary accomplishment.

      Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.

      1. (Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, colloquial, slang) A cool, nice or helpful person, especially one who is male.

         I've lost my pen! —Here mate, borrow mine. —You legend.

3. 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.

4. 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.

同意語

• (story of unknown origin): myth
• (story embellished to become implausible): myth, tall tale
• (leading protagonist): hero
• (person of extraordinary accomplishment): hero
• (key to symbols on a map または chart): guide, key
• (text on a coin): inscription
• (fabricated backstory for a spy): cover, cover story
• (worthy friend): brick

派生語

関連する語

• lege
• legendary

動詞

legend (三人称単数 現在形 legends, 現在分詞 legending, 過去形および過去分詞形 legended)

1. (archaic, transitive) To tell or narrate; to recount.

   (Can we find かつ add a quotation of Bishop Hall to this entry?)

Further reading

• legend in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• legend in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911