The word "legless" is spelled with two syllables and the IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈlɛɡləs/. The first syllable starts with the "L" sound followed by the short "E" sound. The second syllable contains the hard "G" sound, the long "E" sound, and the short "UH" sound. This describes a condition where someone or something lacks legs. The spelling of the word follows typical English conventions, with a silent "E" at the end of the first syllable and a double "G" in the second syllable.
Legless is an adjective that describes the condition of lacking legs or the ability to walk. The term is used to refer to individuals, animals, or even objects that are completely devoid of legs. Primarily used in a literal sense, legless pertains to the physical absence or amputation of legs. It can also be used in a figurative manner to describe lack of mobility or freedom, such as being unable to move forward or progress.
In the context of humans, legless typically denotes individuals who have experienced amputation or were born without lower limbs. It could also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is incapacitated or paralyzed, whether temporarily or permanently. Similarly, in the animal kingdom, legless is used to describe species like snakes or certain lizards that lack legs and move by slithering or crawling.
In a broader sense, legless can describe objects or tools that have been intentionally designed or modified to function without legs, such as a legless chair or a legless table. These objects often provide stability and support through different means, substituting legs with other mechanisms like a stable base or wall-mounted brackets.
To summarize, legless is an adjective that denotes the absence of legs or mobility. It encompasses both literal and figurative uses and can be applied to humans, animals, or objects that lack legs or the ability to walk.
Without legs; to stand on one's own legs, to depend on one's own exertions; to take leg-bail, to abscond or run away.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word legless has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the noun leg combined with the suffix -less, which means without or lacking. The term leg originates from the Old English word legg, which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word lagjaz.