1. (a.) According to the letter; exact; not figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase.

2. (a.) Following the letter or exact words; not free.

3. (a.) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters.

4. (a.) Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of fast; -- applied to persons.

5. (n.) Literal meaning.