I. lə̇ˈgä(ˌ)tō, lāˈ- adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: Italian, literally, tied, bound, from past participle of legare to bind, tie, from Latin ligare — more at ligature
1. : in a manner that is smooth and connected between successive tones — often used as a direction in music
2. : in a smooth and continuous manner : without abrupt break in movement — often used as a direction in dancing
II. noun
( -s )
: a smooth and connected manner of performance (as of a musical instrument) ; also : a passage of music so performed