On one's legs

On one's legs
Leg Leg (l[e^]g), n. [Icel. leggr; akin to Dan. l[ae]g calf of the leg, Sw. l["a]gg.] 1. A limb or member of an animal used for supporting the body, and in running, climbing, and swimming; esp., that part of the limb between the knee and foot. [1913 Webster]

2. That which resembles a leg in form or use; especially, any long and slender support on which any object rests; as, the leg of a table; the leg of a pair of compasses or dividers. [1913 Webster]

3. The part of any article of clothing which covers the leg; as, the leg of a stocking or of a pair of trousers. [1913 Webster]

4. A bow, esp. in the phrase to make a leg; probably from drawing the leg backward in bowing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

He that will give a cap and make a leg in thanks for a favor he never received. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]

5. A disreputable sporting character; a blackleg. [Slang, Eng.] [1913 Webster]

6. (Naut.) The course and distance made by a vessel on one tack or between tacks. [1913 Webster]

7. (Steam Boiler) An extension of the boiler downward, in the form of a narrow space between vertical plates, sometimes nearly surrounding the furnace and ash pit, and serving to support the boiler; -- called also {water leg}. [1913 Webster]

8. (Grain Elevator) The case containing the lower part of the belt which carries the buckets. [1913 Webster]

9. (Cricket) A fielder whose position is on the outside, a little in rear of the batter. [1913 Webster]

10. (Math.) Either side of a triangle distinguished from the base or, in a right triangle, from the hypotenuse; also, an indefinitely extending branch of a curve, as of a hyperbola. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

11. (Telephony) A branch or lateral circuit connecting an instrument with the main line. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

12. (Elec.) A branch circuit; one phase of a polyphase system. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{A good leg} (Naut.), a course sailed on a tack which is near the desired course.

{Leg bail}, escape from custody by flight. [Slang]

{Legs of an hyperbola} (or other curve) (Geom.), the branches of the curve which extend outward indefinitely.

{Legs of a triangle}, the sides of a triangle; -- a name seldom used unless one of the sides is first distinguished by some appropriate term; as, the hypothenuse and two legs of a right-angled triangle.

{On one's legs}, standing to speak.

{On one's last legs}. See under {Last}.

{To have legs} (Naut.), to have speed.

{To stand on one's own legs}, to support one's self; to be independent. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • stretch one's legs — GO FOR A WALK, take a stroll, walk, stroll, move about, get some exercise. → leg * * * phrasal 1. : to extend the legs; specifically : to straighten the legs from a sitting position rose from the chair and stretched his legs 2. : to take a walk… …   Useful english dictionary

  • on one's legs — phrasal or upon one s legs : on one s feet upon his legs, in the House of Commons John Almon * * * on one s legs Standing, esp while speaking • • • Main Entry: ↑leg …   Useful english dictionary

  • feel one's legs — To begin to support oneself on one s legs • • • Main Entry: ↑leg * * * feel (or find) one s legs become able to stand or walk …   Useful english dictionary

  • stretch one's legs — spread one s legs, extend one s legs …   English contemporary dictionary

  • upon one's legs — phrasal see on one s legs * * * upon one s legs In an independent position • • • Main Entry: ↑leg …   Useful english dictionary

  • stretch one's legs — idi stretch one s legs, to move or walk around after prolonged sitting …   From formal English to slang

  • stretch one's legs — ► stretch one s legs go for a short walk. Main Entry: ↑stretch …   English terms dictionary

  • find one's legs — To become familiar or accustomed • • • Main Entry: ↑leg …   Useful english dictionary

  • To put one's legs under some one's mahogany — Mahogany Ma*hog a*ny, Mahogany tree Ma*hog a*ny tree , n. [From the South American name.] 1. (Bot.) A large tree of the genus {Swietenia} ({Swietenia Mahogoni}), found in tropical America. [1913 Webster] Note: Several other trees, with wood more… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • with one's tail between one's legs — idi with one s tail between one s legs, utterly defeated or humiliated …   From formal English to slang

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