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).
Phrases and idioms:
American 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.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L legio -onis f. legere choose