Left, left, pa.t. and pa.p. of leave.—adj. Left′-off, laid aside.
Left, left, adj. being on the left side—also Left′-hand.—n. the side opposite to the right: the part of an assembly sitting on the president's left hand, generally the more liberal or democratic section.—adv. toward the left.—adj. Left′-hand′ed, having the left hand stronger and readier than the right: awkward: unlucky.—ns. Left′-hand′edness; Left′-hand′er, a blow with the left hand, a sudden and unexpected attack; Left′-hand′iness, awkwardness.—adv. Left′ward, towards the left: on the left side. [M. E. lift, left—A.S. left for lyft, weak; prob. allied to lop.]
Leg, leg, n. one of the limbs by which animals walk: a long, slender support of anything, as of a table: (fig.) something that supports: in cricket, that part of the field, or that fielder, to the left of and behind the batsman as he faces the bowler.—v.i. to pass on briskly, often with indef. it.—ns. Leg′-bail (see Bail); Leg′-bus′iness, ballet-dancing; Leg′-bye, in cricket, a run made when the ball touches any part of the batsman's person except his hand.—adj. Legged, having legs.—ns. Leg′ging, an outer and extra gaiter-like covering for the legs; Leg′gism, character of a blackleg.—adj. Leg′gy, having disproportionately long and lank legs.—n. Leg′-ī′ron, a fetter for the leg.—adj. Leg′less, without legs.—Change the leg (of a horse), to change the gait; Feel one's legs (of an infant), to begin to support one's self on the legs; Find one's legs, to become habituated to, to attain ease in; Give a leg to, to assist by supporting the leg; In high leg, in great excitement; Make a leg (Shak.), to make a bow; On one's last legs (see Last); On one's legs, standing, esp. to speak; Upon its legs, in an independent position. [Ice. leggr, a leg; Dan. læg, Sw. lägg.]
Legacy, leg′a-si, n. that which is left to one by will: a bequest of personal property.—ns. Leg′acy-hunt′er, one who hunts after legacies by courting those likely to leave them; Leg′atary, a legatee; Legatee′, one to whom a legacy is bequeathed.—Legacy duty, a duty levied on legacies, varying according to degree of relationship, and reaching its maximum where the legatee is not related to the testator.—Cumulative, or Substitutional, legacy, a second legacy given to the same person, either in addition to or in place of the first; Demonstrative legacy, a general legacy, but with a particular fund named from which it is to be satisfied; General legacy, a sum of money payable out of the assets generally; Residuary legatee, the person to whom the remainder of the property is left after all claims are discharged; Specific legacy, a legacy of a definite thing, as jewels, pictures, a sum of stock in the Funds, &c. [L. legatum—legāre, to leave by will.]
Legal, lē′gal, adj. pertaining to, or according to, law: lawful: created by law: (theol.) according to the Mosaic law or dispensation.—n. Lē′galisātion.—v.t. Lē′galise, to make legal or lawful: to authorise: to sanction.—ns. Lē′galism, strict adherence to law: (theol.) the doctrine that salvation depends on strict adherence to the law, as distinguished from the doctrine of salvation by grace: the tendency to observe the letter rather than the spirit of religious law; Lē′galist; Legal′ity.—adv. Lē′gally.—Legal tender, that which can be lawfully used in paying a debt. [Fr.,—L. legalis—lex, legis, law.]
Legate, leg′āt, n. an ambassador, esp. from the Pope: a delegate, deputy, esp. a foreign envoy chosen by the senate of ancient Rome, or a general or consul's lieutenant.—n. Leg′ateship.—adj. Leg′atīne, of or relating to a legate.—n. Legā′tion, the person or persons sent as legates or ambassadors: the official abode of a legation. [Fr. légat, It. legato—L. legatus—legāre, to send with a commission.]
Legatee. See Legacy.
Legato, lā-gä′to, adj. (mus.) in a smooth manner, the notes being played as if bound together.—n. a smooth manner of performance, or a tune so played.—adv. (sup.) Legatiss′imo. [It.,—L. ligāre, to tie.]
Legend, lej′end, or lē′-, n. a marvellous story from early times: the motto on a coat of arms, medal, or coin: an inscription of any kind: a musical composition set to a poetical story.—n. Leg′endary, a book of legends: one who relates legends: (pl.) a chronicle of the lives of saints.—adj. consisting of legends: romantic: fabulous.—n. Leg′endist, a writer of legends.—Golden legend (see Golden). [Fr.,—Low L. legenda, a book of chronicles of the saints read at matins—L. legendus—legĕre, to read.]
Leger, lej′ėr, adj. light: small.—ns. Leger′ity (Shak.), lightness; Leg′er′-line (mus.), one of the short lines added above or below the staff to extend its compass. [O. Fr.,—L. lĕvis, light.]