Etymology Map
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Legion

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large military unit; a great number

Where does the word "legion" come from? It comes from Latin legio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
legio
Latin · ancient
"levy of troops"
from 'legere', to choose or gather
2
Stage 2 of 3
legion
Old French · medieval
"legion"
a Roman army unit of about 5,000 men
3
Stage 3 of 3
legion
English · 1200s
"army unit"
'legion' for 'very many' comes from the Gospel demon who said 'my name is Legion'
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Read the full story

Legion’s story begins in Latin: legio meant “levy of troops.” From 'legere', to choose or gather. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as legion. A Roman army unit of about 5,000 men. It reached English by 1200s as legion. 'legion' for 'very many' comes from the Gospel demon who said 'my name is Legion'. Today, legion means a large military unit; a great number.