legionary

[ lee-juh-ner-ee ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to a legion.
2. constituting a legion or legions.

noun

, plural le·gion·ar·ies.

1. History/Historical. a soldier of a Roman legion.
2. a member of the British Legion.
3. legionnaire ( def 2 ).

legionary

/ ˈliːdʒənərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to a legion

noun

1. a soldier belonging to a legion

Word History and Origins

Origin of legionary¹

From the Latin word legiōnārius, dating back to 1570–80. See legion, -ary

Example Sentences

Interestingly enough, much like the later day Roman legionaries, the ordinary soldier of the Ancient Egyptian army was possibly motivated by the allure of wealth and social progression.

From Realm of History

For two days he had faced death, fighting like a legionary or a knight-errant, and in short playing the hero.

From Project Gutenberg

In that abject figure you look in vain for the dash of Thracian blood, or seek the descendant of the Roman legionary.

From Project Gutenberg

In 391, the people arrogated the right of appointing a part of the legionary tribunes, previously chosen by the consuls.

From Project Gutenberg

My staff struck hard and square on the helmet of a legionary, who, falling backward, dragged down with him the soldier behind.

From Project Gutenberg

Winslows legionary brigade was organized in 1799, just as the war scare subsided.

From Project Gutenberg