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Legion
Open directlyEaston's Bible Dictionary · 1897
A regiment of the Roman army, the number of men composing which differed at different times. It originally consisted of three thousand men, but in the time of Christ consisted of six thousand, exclusive of horsemen, who were in number a tenth of the foot-men. The word is used (Matt. 26:53; Mark 5:9) to express simply a great multitude.
Scripture references
Smith's Bible Dictionary · 1863
the chief subdivision of the Roman army, containing about 6000 infantry, with a contingent of cavalry. The term does not occur in the Bible in its primary sense, but appears to have been adopted in order to express any large number, with the accessory ideas of order and subordination. (Matthew 26:53; Mark 5:9)
Scripture references
Hastings Dictionary of the Bible · 1898
LE'GION, a band of soldiers in the Roman army, consisting of from 6000 to 7000 men; the ordinary number Common Leek. (Allium porrum.) was 6200 foot and 730 horse. In Matt 26:53, and also in Mark 5:9, 2 Sam 20:15, it means a large but indefinite number, and corresponds to the "hosts" of the 0.T. Gen 32:2; Ps 148:2.
Scripture references
Schaff's Dictionary of the Bible · 1880
LE'GION, a band of soldiers in the Roman army, consisting of from 6000 to 7000 men; the ordinary number Common Leek. (Allium porrum.) was 6200 foot and 730 horse. In Matt 26:53, and also in Mark 5:9, 2 Sam 20:15, it means a large but indefinite number, and corresponds to the "hosts" of the 0.T. Gen 32:2; Ps 148:2.
Scripture references
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828
Part of speech: noun (n.)
1. A body of foot soldiers and cavalry consisting of different numbers at different periods, -- from about four thousand to about six thousand men, -- the cavalry being about one tenth.
2. A military force; an army; military bands.
3. A great number; a multitude. Where one sin has entered,legions will force their way through the same breach. Rogers.
4. A group of orders inferior to a class. Legion of honor, an order instituted by the French government in 1802, when Bonaparte was First Consul, as a reward for merit, both civil and military.