legged
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having legs; possessing legs: The word "legged" describes something that has legs. It is almost always used in combination with another word (usually a number or descriptive term) to specify the type or number of legs.
- Having legs of a specified kind or number: This is the primary use. It forms compound adjectives that describe the quantity (e.g., two-legged) or quality (e.g., long-legged) of an entity's legs.
Usage
- Position in a Sentence: "Legged" is used as an adjective, typically before a noun to describe it. It is rarely used alone; it is almost always part of a hyphenated compound word.
- Key Instruction: You must combine "legged" with another descriptive word using a hyphen (e.g., , ). Do not use "legged" by itself as a standalone adjective to mean "having legs."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The table is three-legged and very stable.
- She saw a long-legged bird wading in the water.
- Four-legged friends, like dogs and cats, are common pets.
- The pirate in the story was peg-legged.
Advanced Usage
- "legged it" (Informal Phrasal Verb - British English): This is a distinct phrasal verb where "legged" is the past tense of the verb "to leg." It means to run away quickly.
- When the alarm sounded, they legged it out of the building.
- Forming Descriptive Compounds: The pattern is highly productive. The descriptor can be:
- A number: six-legged insect.
- An adjective describing length/type: short-legged, bow-legged, spindle-legged.
- A noun describing material/feature: wooden-legged, hairy-legged.
Variants and Related Words
- -legged (suffix): Functions as a combining form to create compound adjectives (e.g., two-legged, cross-legged).
- Leg (n): The limb used for support and movement.
- Legless (adj): Lacking legs.
- Legging (n): A tight-fitting garment covering the legs. (Note: This is a related noun, not a direct variant of the adjective "legged").
Synonyms
- Limbed (though much less common and usually used in specific biological contexts, not in everyday compounds like "legged").
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Leg it (v): To run away or depart quickly (informal, chiefly British).
- We had to leg it to catch the last train.
Related Idioms
- On its last legs: Very old, weak, or near the end of usefulness. (Note: This idiom uses "legs," not the adjective "legged").
- My old car is on its last legs.
Adjective
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having legs of a specified kind or number
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four-legged animals
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a peg-legged man
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