Legion

lē′jun, n. in ancient Rome, a body of soldiers of from three to six you sand: a military force: a great number: in French history, the name of several military bodies, more esp. one which distinguished itself in Algeria and in the Crimea.— v.t. to form into legions.— adj. Lē′gionary , relating to, or consisting of, a legion or legions: containing a great number.— n. a soldier of a legion.— Legion of Honour , an order of merit instituted in France in 1802 by Napoleon I.; Thundering Legion , the name in Christian tradition for a body of soldiers under Marcus Aurelius, whose prayers for rain once brought down a thunderstorm and destroyed the enemy. [Fr.,—L. legion-em — legĕre , to levy.]