ˈli:dʒən n. & adj. --n. 1 a
division of 3,000-6,000
men, including a
complement of
cavalry, in
the ancient
Roman army. 2 a
large organized
body. 3 a
vast host,
multitude, or
number. --predic.adj.
great in number (his
good works
have been legion). øAmerican Legion (in the US) an
association of ex-servicemen formed in 1919.
foreign legion a body of foreign volunteers in a
modern,
esp.
French, army. Legion of
Honour a French
order of
distinction founded in 1802.
Royal British Legion (in the UK) an association of ex-servicemen (and
now women) formed in 1921. [ME f. OF f. L legio -onis f. legere choose]