Leg , n.
1. (Math.) Either side of a triangle
of a triangle as distinguished from the base or, in a right triangle, from the hypotenuse; also, an indefinitely extending branch of a curve, as of a hyperbola.
2. (Telephony) A branch or lateral circuit connecting
an instrument with the main
line.
3. (Elec.)
A branch circuit; one phase of a polyphase system.
Leg (l&ebreve;g),
v. t. To use as a leg, with
it as object: (a)
To bow. [Obs.]
(b) To run. [Low]
Leg (l&ebreve;g),
n. [Icel. leggr; akin to Dan.
læg calf of the leg, Sw. lägg.]
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.
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.
3. The part of any article of clothing which covers the leg; as, the
leg of a
stocking or of a pair of trousers.
4. A bow,
esp. in the phrase to make a leg;
probably from drawing the leg backward in bowing. [Obs.]
He that will give a cap and make
a leg in
thanks for a favor he never received.
Fuller. 5. A disreputable sporting character; a blackleg. [Slang, Eng.]
6. (Naut.)
The course and distance made by a vessel on one
tack or between tacks.
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.
8. (Grain Elevator) The case containing the lower part of
the belt which carries the
buckets.
9. (Cricket) A fielder whose position is on the outside, a little in rear of the batter.
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.
Hear it pronounced