Legend, n.
Etymology: [OE. legende, OF. legende, F. légende, LL. legenda, fr. L. legendus to be read, fr. legere to read, gather; akin to Gr. Collect, Dialogue, Lesson, Logic.]
1. That which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses.
2. A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature. Addison.
3. Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable. And in this legend all that glorious deed. Read, whilst you arm you. Fairfax.
4. An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration. Golden legend. See under Golden.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Legend, v. t.
To tell or narrate, as a legend. Bp. Hall.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for legend; he lists it under fiction, story.
Where he writes about it:
A legend may be true, but can not be historically verified; a myth has been received as true at some time, but is now known to be false. — from fiction
A traditional or mythical story of ancient times is a legend. — from story