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Legged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legged

[หˆlษ›ษกษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing support

The term 'legged' refers to having legs or a specific number of legs. It is often used to describe animals, furniture, or machinery that possess legs. For example, a 'four-legged' table is supported by four legs, while a 'two-legged' animal may refer to a bird or a human. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something with support structures.

Synonyms

stilted, supported.

Examples of usage

  • The four-legged table was very sturdy.
  • She prefers her two-legged friends over the four-legged ones.
  • The two-legged race was exciting at the school sports day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Most mammals have four legs, which help them run and maintain balance.
  • Insects have six legs, while spiders have eight, reflecting their adaptation to different environments.
  • The number and structure of legs can drastically affect a creature's movement and survival tactics.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, the number of legs a creature has can symbolize different traits, such as strength or mobility.
  • Some idioms, like 'two-legged friend', highlight companionship among humans or animals.
  • Art often depicts characters or creatures in exaggerated forms to emphasize their legs, representing speed or grace.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and cartoons, animals with unique leg structures (like a three-legged dog) often become heroes, showcasing resilience.
  • A popular saying, 'on legs of steel', describes someone or something that is very strong or unstoppable.
  • Many children's toys, like toy robots or action figures, emphasize 'legged' designs to enhance playability.

Literature

  • In poetry, legs often symbolize the journey or steps taken in life, reflecting experiences and growth.
  • Many stories anthropomorphize animals, focusing on their 'legged' adventures and showcasing the importance of movement.
  • Legs are sometimes personified, illustrating the themes of travel, exploration, and freedom.

Origin of 'legged'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Old English 'lวฃgde', meaning 'having legs' or 'leg-like'.
  • It has evolved over time to describe animals and furniture with varying numbers of legs.
  • The connection to walking and movement is embedded in its use in describing many creatures.

The word 'legged' is derived from the noun 'leg,' which traces back to the Old English word 'lวฃg,' meaning 'limb' or 'leg.' Its roots are connected to the Proto-Germanic term '*laigwaz,' and further back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*legh-', which means 'to lie down or to be flat.' The use of 'legged' as an adjective typically emerged in English usage to create descriptive terms for entities characterized by their number of legs. The formation of 'legged' employs the addition of the suffix '-ed,' which is commonly used in English to form adjectives indicating a quality or characteristic. As language evolved, 'legged' became popular in various contexts, particularly in literature and everyday language to emphasize the physical attributes of creatures and objects.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,697, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.