legende

Noun

legend (countable and uncountable, plural legends)

1. The life story of a saint (such stories are often embellished, but any kind is called a legend).
   • As a child she had nothing to read but the legends of early Christian martyrs.
2. A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.
   • The legend of Troy was discovered to have a historical basis.

   Synonyms:

   myth

3. A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain.
   • the legend of Robin Hood
4. 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.

   Synonyms:

   myth, tall tale

5. A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records.
   • According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.

   Synonyms:

   cover story

6. (uncountable) Such stories considered collectively; unverified traditional tales.
   • According to ancient legend, a Greek girl, partaking of saffron for an entire week, could not resist a lover.1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 212

See all 15 meanings of legend