Etymology

Noun

1. A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events. Also historical legend.

   The legend of Troy was discovered to have historical basis.

2. 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.

3. A leading protagonist in a historical legend.

   Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.

4. Any person of extraordinary accomplishment.

   Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.

5. 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.

6. The text on a coin.
7. A fabricated backstory for spies, complete with appropriate documents and records.

   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 067173458X, 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 0028644182, 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 1591146607, 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.

Synonyms

• key (5)
• guide (5)
• myth (1, 2)
• hero (3, 4)
• tall tale (2)
• inscription (6)