leg
Pronunciation: (leg), [key]
— n., v., legged, leg•ging.
—n.
- either of the two lower limbs of a biped, as a human being, or any of the paired limbs of an animal, arthropod, etc., that support and move the body.
- the lower limb of a human being from the knee to the ankle.
- something resembling or suggesting a leg in use, position, or appearance.
- the part of a garment that covers the leg: the leg of a stocking; trouser leg.
- one of usually several, relatively tall, slender supports for a piece of furniture.
- one of the sides of a forked object, as of a compass or pair of dividers.
- one of the sides of a triangle other than the base or hypotenuse.
- a timber, bar, or the like, serving to prop or shore up a structure.
- one of the flanges of an angle iron.
- one of the distinct sections of any course: the last leg of a trip.
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- one of the series of straight runs that make up the zigzag course of a sailing ship.
- one straight or nearly straight part of a multiple-sided course in a sailing race.
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- one of a designated number of contests that must be successfully completed in order to determine the winner.
- one of the stretches or sections of a relay race.
- (in wine tasting) the rivulets of wine that slowly descend along the inside of a glass after the wine has been swirled, sometimes regarded as an indication that the wine is full-bodied.
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- the part of the field to the left of and behind the batsman as he faces the bowler or to the right of and behind him if he is left-handed.
- the fielder playing this part of the field.
- the position of this fielder.
- a component or branch of a circuit, network, antenna, etc.
- a connecting link between stations in a network, as the microwave relays used in transmitting a show from one geographical area to another.
- bride (def. 1).
- Studying the material with a tutor will give you a leg up on passing the exam.
- a means of help or encouragement; assist; boost:Studying the material with a tutor will give you a leg up on passing the exam.
- advantage; edge.
- to lack a valid or logical basis for one's argument or attitude: Without evidence, the prosecutor doesn't have a leg to stand on.
- just short of exhaustion, breakdown, failure, etc.: The aristocracy was on its last legs.
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- to make fun of someone; tease.
- to deceive someone; trick someone.
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- to hurry up.
- Older Use.to dance.
- to take a walk; get some needed exercise after prolonged sitting: He got up during the intermission to stretch his legs.
—v.t.
- to move or propel (a boat) with the legs: They legged the boat through the tunnel.
- to walk rapidly or run: We'd better leg it or we'll be late for class.
- to help (someone) to mount a horse.
leg.
- legal.
- legate.
- legato.
- legend.
- legislation.
- legislative.
- legislature.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.