To put on the LEG, among cavalry, is to press the inside of the foot and leg against the horse’s flank. It is always used in passaging to direct the horse which way to passage, and again on the opposite flank to stop him after he has passaged to his place.
LEGATUS, in Roman antiquity, a military officer who commanded as deputy of the chief general.
Kennett, in his Antiquities, observes, that the design of the legati, at their first institution, was not so much to command as to advise. The senate selecting some of the oldest and most prudent members to assist the general in his councils.
Dionysius calls this the most honorable and sacred office among the Romans, bearing not only the authority of a commander, but with all, the sanctity and veneration of a priest.
Under the emperors there were two sorts of legati, consulares and prætorii; the first of which commanded the whole armies, as the emperor’s lieutenant generals, and the other only particular legions.
Machiavel highly extols the wisdom of the Romans, in allowing their generals unlimited commissions.
LEGER. This word although it be not strictly military, is in some degree connected with the profession, as diplomacy is not wholly foreign to military negociation. A leger ambassador, or resident signifies any person acting in that capacity, who remains stationary.
Artillerie Légère, Fr. The light or horse artillery.
Cavalerie Légère, Fr. Light horse.
Un Cheval léger à la main, Fr. A horse which is easily managed, or is not hard mouthed.