What does legion mean Meaning and Definition
What does legion mean
Pronunciation
/ˈlɛdʒ.ɪ.ən/
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb (depending on context)
Definition
A large group of soldiers or people under a single commander, a military term. (Noun)
To recruit or gather a large group of people for a particular purpose, such as a military or marketing campaign. (Verb)
Examples
- The legions of the Roman army marched into battle.
- The company’s marketing campaign legions convinced many customers to try their new product.
Synonyms
- Army
- Troops
- Group
Antonyms
- Isolated
- Small
Etymology
The word “legion” comes from the Latin word “legio,” meaning a group of soldiers. The term originated in ancient Rome, where legions were large formations of soldiers that played a crucial role in the Roman military.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, the word “legion” can refer to either a large group of soldiers or people, or a specific type of military formation. When used as a verb, it implies a large-scale recruitment or gathering of people.
Cultural References
- The phrase “10,000 legions of hell” is referenced in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.”
- In popular culture, the word “legion” is often associated with the TV series “Legion,” which explores themes of identity and madness.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Legions of fans” – a group of enthusiastic supporters
- “Legion of doom” – a group of villains or people with malicious intentions
Related Words or Phrases
- Army
- Troops
- Regiment
Collocations
The word “legion” is often used in conjunction with words like “army,” “troops,” “soldiers,” or “military.”
Frequency of Use
The word “legion” is not as commonly used as other military terms, but it can be found in various contexts, especially in historical or literary references.
Common Misspellings
- Legionnaire (incorrect spelling of the word)
- Legionery (another incorrect spelling)
Additional Information
In modern usage, the word “legion” can also imply a great number or multitude of people or things. For example, “The city was filled with legions of people attending the festival.”
Historically, the concept of legions dates back to ancient Rome, where legionnaires were highly trained and disciplined soldiers who played a crucial role in the Roman military.
Today, the word “legion” can be used in a variety of contexts, from military and historical references to cultural and literary expressions.
Citing Sources
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “legion” as “a large group of soldiers or people under a single commander.”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “legion” as “a military unit larger than a cohort.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “legion” as “a group of soldiers who fight in war.”