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Revised 2016 More entries for "legacy"

legacynoun & adjective

Quotations

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Earlier version

In other dictionaries

  1. noun
    1. I.
      † Senses relating to a delegate or legate.
        1. I.1.a.
          c1384–1570
          The function or office of a delegate or deputy. (Cf. embassy n. 1b). Obsolete.
          1. c1384
            Therfore we ben sett in legacie [Latin legatione fungimur]..for Crist.
            Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Douce MS. 369(2)) (1850) 2 Corinthians v. 20
          2. 1555
            As I passed by in my legacie to the Soldane of Alcayr.
            R. Eden, translation of Peter Martyr of Angleria, Decades of Newe Worlde iii. viii. f. 133
          3. 1570
            Who..conferred..with Tho. Cromwell to associate hym in that legacie.
            J. Foxe, Actes & Monumentes (revised edition) vol. II. 1346/2
        2. I.1.b.
          a1387–1724
          spec. The dignity or office of a papal legate; a legateship. to send in legacy: to send as legate. †legacy of the cross: see legate n.1 1. Obsolete.
          1. a1387
            Þis Baldewyn had þe office of legacie of þe cros [Latin crucis legatione fungens].
            J. Trevisa, translation of R. Higden, Polychronicon (St. John's Cambridge MS.) (1882) vol. VIII. 69
          2. c1460
            Guale..popis legat..By the auctorite of the legacie the which we haue we conferme and with the help of this present writyng we make sure.
            in A. Clark, English Register of Oseney Abbey (1907) 111 (Middle English Dictionary)
          3. 1537
            The grett desyer I suppose ye haue for trewe knolege off hys mynde & acts in thys Legacie.
            M. Throgmorton, Letter 20 August (P.R.O.: S.P. 1/124) f. 78
          4. 1548
            Innocent bishop of Rome had sent in legacye Adryan of Castella.
            Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. xx
          5. ?a1562
            A Strawe qd my lord of Norffolk for yor legacye.
            G. Cavendish, Life Wolsey (1959) 116
          6. 1580
            Two great Crosses of Syluer, the one of hys Archebyshopricke, the other of hys Legacie.
            J. Stow, Chrons. of Eng. 912
          7. 1630
            The English Nation for the most part, especially the Londoners, did so hate the name of the Pope of Rome, that his Legacy would be held in contempt among them.
            M. Godwin, translation of F. Godwin, Annales of England iii. 305
          8. 1699
            Her Father, by Will, left the half of his City of Valladolid, to Pope Innocent..but I do not find that ever the Pope had possession of this Legacy.
            J. Stevens, translation of J. de Mariana, General History of Spain xi. ix. 188
          9. 1724
            There were no Fires in Smithfield, during his [sc. Wolsey's] Legacy.
            R. Fiddes, Life of Wolsey Collect. 236
          Roman Catholic Church
      2. I.2.
        a1450–1654
        The message or business committed to a delegate or deputy. Obsolete.
        1. a1450 (c1435)
          This proude legat of this tirant seith And first purposith in his legarie [perh. read legacie] That I sholde forsake Cristes feith And falle falsly in tapostasie.
          J. Lydgate, Life Saints Edmund & Fremund (Harley MS.) l. 583 in C. Horstmann, Altenglische Legenden (1881) 2nd Series 407 (Middle English Dictionary)
        2. 1551
          His legacye there perfourmed and all his bagges wele stuffed, he returned agayne to London.
          J. Bale, Actes Englysh Votaryes: 2nd Part f. lxxvv
        3. 1555
          Quicedus and Colmenaris were brought before the king, and declared theyr legacie in his presence.
          R. Eden, translation of Peter Martyr of Angleria, Decades of Newe Worlde ii. vii. f. 78v
        4. 1573
          God gave to þame giftis mair large Thair legacie for till discharge.
          in J. Cranstoun, Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) vol. I. xlii. 602
        5. 1599
          A legacy, an embassage, a message from a Prince.
          J. Minsheu, Percyvall's Dict. Spanish & Eng. at Legacia
        6. ?1611
          He came, and told his Legacie.
          G. Chapman, translation of Homer, Iliads vii. 349
        7. 1654
          This Legacy comming to nothing,..both parties prepare to take the Field.
          translation of M. Martini, Bellum Tartaricum 113
      3. I.3.
        c1480–1598
        A body of people sent on a mission, or as a deputation, to a sovereign, etc. Also: the act of sending such a body. (Cf. embassy n. 3) Obsolete.
        1. c1480 (a1400)
          In þis sammyne tyme com legasy to vaspaciane reuerently.
          St. James Less 555 in W. M. Metcalfe, Legends of Saints in Scottish Dialect (1896) vol. I. 166
        2. 1582
          Otherwise whiles he is yet farre of, sending a legacie [Latin legationem], he asketh those things that belong to peace.
          Bible (Rheims) Luke xiv. 32
        3. 1598
          Offa by often legacies solicited Charles le maigne the king of France, to be his friend.
          R. Hakluyt, translation of William of Malmesbury in Principal Navigations (new edition) vol. I. 125
        politics
    2. II.
      Senses relating to bequeathing something.
      1. II.4.
        1485–
        The action or an act of bequeathing; = bequest n. 1. Chiefly in by legacy.
        1. 1485
          His assignacioun maid to the said Dauide in his legacy and testment.
          in Acts of Lords of Council in Civil Causes (1839) vol. I. *112/1
        2. ?a1505
          Quhen he had hard hir greit infirmite, Hir legacie and lamentatioun.
          R. Henryson, Test. Cresseid 597 in Poems (1981) 130
        3. a1513
          Henry than Duke of Burgoyne..bequethed his Dukedome vnto kyng Robert But the Burgonyons withstode that Legacy.
          R. Fabyan, New Cronycles of Englande & Fraunce (1516) vol. I. cciii. f. cxiiii
        4. 1674
          The Wife being Executrix to another..may not bequeath them by Legacy without making an Executor.
          J. Godolphin, Orphans Legacy i. x. 16
        5. 1722
          If two Horses, one whereof..had been left him by Legacy, should happen to die.
          W. Strahan, translation of J. Domat, Civil Law vol. II. iv. vii. 174/2
        6. 1761
          Either by legacy or purchase, he became master of all that he thought valuable in their studies.
          New & General Biographical Dictionary vol. III. 414
        7. 1828
          Every acquisition by the slave, whether by legacy or otherwise, went to the master.
          Naval & Military Magazine March p. xxxviii
        8. 1875
          Any purely personal property coming to a married woman, whether by legacy, gift, or otherwise, passes and belongs to her husband.
          Victoria Magazine March 455
        9. 1916
          Walter L. Newberry..became the founder by legacy of the Newberry Library.
          Annual Rep. Amer. Hist. Assoc. 1914 vol. 1 296
        10. 1958
          The lands are frequently divided carefully among the various children by legacy.
          W. T. MacCaffrey, Exeter, 1540–1640 x. 266
        11. 2000
          Properties initially acquired by Augustus as booty and constantly augmented by legacy and confiscation.
          M. T. Griffin, Nero xiii. 200
        law
        1. II.5.a.
          1514–
          A sum of money, or a specified article, given to another by will; = bequest n. 2.
          1. 1514
            To thin-tent they be not deprividde off suche legaces as my late lorde didde bequest unto them.
            R. Pace, Letter to Wolsey in H. Ellis, Original Letters, Illustrative of English History (1846) 3rd Series vol. I. 176
          2. 1577
            Thou art left wealthie enough by thy fathers legacie, if that ye art godly, painful, heedful & honest.
            H. I., translation of H. Bullinger, 50 Godlie Sermons vol. I. ii. v. sig. Lv/2
          3. 1590
            A Legacie..is a gifte lefte by the deceased, to bee paide or performed by the Executor, or administrator.
            H. Swinburne, Briefe Treatise of Testaments & Willes i. f. 14
          4. a1616
            Bequeathing it as a rich Legacie Vnto their issue.
            W. Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1623) iii. ii. 137
          5. a1660
            I have given Mr. Powell 5li. for a legacie.
            C. Maund in A. Wood, Life & Times (1891) vol. I. 350 (note)
          6. 1726
            A Legacy of Housholdgoods or Furniture.
            J. Ayliffe, Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 338
          7. 1770
            You have paid..his legacy, at the hazard of ruining the estate.
            ‘Junius’, Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) vol. II. xl. 108
          8. 1818
            It has been stated that a purchaser is bound to see to the payment of legacies.
            W. Cruise, Digest of Laws of England Real Property (ed. 2) vol. I. 528
          9. 1858
            The residue greatly exceeded in value the aggregate amount of all the legacies.
            Lord St. Leonards, Handy Book on Property Law xx. 155
          10. 1912
            His lack of money will handicap him, unless he can..persuade someone to die and leave him a fat legacy.
            ‘Saki’, Unbearable Bassington vii. 95
          11. 1971
            Part of the legacy my father had left him had been spent on a decorous little Ford.
            S. Howatch, Penmarric (1972) v. ii. 559
          12. 2014
            A legacy of this size will make a tremendous difference to the hospice.
            Harrow Times (Nexis) 25 March
          law
        2. II.5.b.
          1579–
          In extended use. A tangible or intangible thing handed down by a predecessor; a long-lasting effect of an event or process.
          1. 1579
            Our Sauiour Christ..left bequeathed vnto vs the Legacie of eternall lyfe.
            W. Wilkinson, Confutation Familye of Loue f. 39v
          2. c1595
            His sonnes..Shall find like blisse for legacie bequeathed.
            Countess of Pembroke, Psalme lxxxix. 78 in Collected Works (1998) vol. II. 133
          3. 1640
            We could not but leave..to you..the legacie of an untimous repentance.
            R. Baillie, Ladensium Αὐτοκατάκρισις Preface sig. Bv
          4. 1697
            Forbear thy Threats, my Bus'ness is to dye; But first receive this parting Legacy, He said: And straight a whirling Dart he sent.
            J. Dryden, translation of Virgil, Æneis x, in translation of Virgil, Works 535
          5. 1711
            Books are the Legacies that a great Genius leaves to Mankind.
            J. Addison, Spectator No. 166. ¶3
          6. 1768
            The history of myself, which, I could not die in peace unless I left it as a legacy to the world.
            L. Sterne, Sentimental Journey vol. II. 140
          7. 1850
            Leaving great legacies of thought, Thy spirit should fail from off the globe.
            Lord Tennyson, In Memoriam lxxxii. 115
          8. 1884
            Revering so deeply their seldom-studied poetic legacy, he at times unwittingly repeated the notes which rang so sweetly in his ears.
            Century Magazine December 217/1
          9. 1903
            The faults of..[Cecil Rhodes'] methods..did not impair that legacy of daimonic force which he left to his countrymen.
            J. Buchan, Afr. Colony xix. 393
          10. 1941
            It would be a disaster if wartime concentration were to leave any legacy of peacetime restrictionism.
            Economist 5 April 436/2
          11. 1962
            The legacy of Britain's policy of indirect rule in this Region of Nigeria is clearly visible in the comparatively static nature of these societies.
            Listener 18 October 593/2
          12. 2014
            Pupils at Bampton Primary School had the chance to leave a lasting legacy by planting trees.
            Oxford Mail (Nexis) 8 December
        3. II.5.c.
          1908–
          U.S. (originally College slang). An applicant to a club, university, etc., regarded preferentially because a parent or other relative belonged or belongs to that institution.
          1. 1908
            We have two legacies coming, besides a legacy in the present Freshman class who unfortunately cannot join this year.
            Purple & Gold March 108
          2. 1922
            Thank goodness, I am neither a legacy nor a transfer!
            Lyre of Alpha Chi Omega January 164
          3. 1930
            Fraternity Legacy. Harry the sub freshman is visiting the boys in what he calls the ‘frat house’... Harry enters college next fall.
            Helena (Montana) Independent 26 October 20 (caption)
          4. 1950
            Legacies, freshmen whose relatives have been closely connected with the chapter.
            Cornell Daily Sun (Ithaca, New York) 21 September 4/2
          5. 1974
            Legacies, the sons of members who've done a lot for the Club who get in..are disappointments.
            J. van der Zee, Greatest Men's Party on Earth xi. 146
          6. 1990
            Effect of ‘legacy status’. Children of alumni were over 2½ times as likely to be admitted as those without such a connection.
            Sociol. of Education vol. 63 231
          7. 2002
            ‘Being a legacy and having dad donate a million bucks isn't even a guarantee.’ So, how do you get into Penn?
            Philadelphia October 4/2
          universityU.S. Englishuniversity slang
  2. adjective
    (chiefly attributive) originally U.S.
    1. 1.
      1984–
      Business. Designating a long-established business, company, or industry associated with activities, practices, etc., which have been discontinued or superseded, esp. by digital or online technologies and processes.
      1. 1984
        The tragedy of the past was that many of our legacy businesses were not responsive to change before they were taken over.
        C. W. Hofer et al., Strategic Management (ed. 2) ii. 445
      2. 1989
        The questions we ask of this ground and this air will be for the replanting of the next generation of vineyards... This is a legacy business.
        Providence (Rhode Island) Journal-Bulletin 6 September f8/6
      3. 1995
        The fear is being felt by the legacy companies... Technology is moving so rapidly and it is so difficult to stay ahead of the technology innovation power curve.
        Mergers & Acquisitions (Nexis) July 11
      4. 2008
        If the category of business is legacy..and actual FP per effort is high, then do not use new technology if possible.
        J. Debari et al. in Q. Wang et al., Making Globally Distributed Software Develop. Success 59
      5. 2009
        New entrant airlines typically enjoy significant labor cost advantages relative to the incumbent or ‘legacy’ airlines.
        J. H. Gittell et al. in P. Belobaba et al., Global Airline Industry xi. 294
      6. 2014
        [They] believe that what they call ‘legacy’ publishing is under serious threat from selfpublishers.
        Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2015 (Electronic edition)
      economics and commerceU.S. English
    2. 2.
      1988–
      Chiefly Computing. Designating software or hardware which is old or outdated, or has been superseded, but remains in use. Also in extended use.
      1. 1988
        These legacy systems are typically found in centrally controlled mainframe computers.
        R. D. Joyce in M. Oliff, Expert Syst. & Intelligent Manuf. 361
      2. 1989
        A migration mechanism enabling the automated conversion of legacy databases and application systems to the integration platform.
        Industry Week 20 November 46
      3. 1993
        Too many IT people ossify with the IT they are comfortable with—they become legacy people, and that's dangerous.
        Computer Weekly 14 October 34/6
      4. 1995
        Using wrappers on legacy code is like putting lipstick on a pig—it's still ugly.
        Computerworld 16 October 132/1
      5. 2001
        HMV..used IBM Global Services to integrate HMV.com with its legacy systems.
        National Post (Canada) 29 May m16/2 (advertisement)
      6. 2008
        There is some code that is too legacy even for the ClassImposteriser to deal with, unfortunately.
        comments.gmane.org 16 July
      7. 2014
        A decision was made to replace the legacy software with a new integrated system.
        Australian (Nexis) 12 August 30
      computingU.S. English
    3. 3.
      1998–
      gen. Designating something left over from a previous era but still in active existence.
      1. 1998
        From January 1, customers will be able to choose to pay bills in euros or in the 11 ‘legacy currencies’ such as marks, francs and lire.
        Daily Telegraph 23 December 22/3
      2. 2002
        His job is to prescribe—mainly things the [armed] services won't like at first, including shifting money from old ‘legacy’ weapons to new things.
        New York Times Magazine 10 March 48/2
      3. 2004
        The same story can be told about what Paxton calls ‘legacy fascism’ in the postwar world.
        New York Review of Books 21 October 34/1
      4. 2010
        Burdened as they are with these ‘legacy’ print costs, newspapers typically spend about 15 percent of their revenue on..the people who report, analyze, and edit the news.
        Atlantic Monthly June 47/1
      5. 2014
        Re-introducing legacy species like wolves.
        Guardian 18 January (Guide Supplement) 13/2
      U.S. English