letter

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
letter/ˈletə(r)/

▶noun

• 1 a character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet.

  ■ US a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency, especially in sport.

• 2 a written, typed, or printed communication, sent by post or messenger.

• 3 the precise terms of a statement or requirement: adherence to the letter of the law.

• 4 (letters) literature.

  ■ archaic erudition.

• 5 Printing a style of typeface.

▶verb

• 1 inscribe or provide with letters.

• 2 US informal be awarded a letter as a mark of proficiency in sport.

– phrases
to the letter with adherence to every detail.

– derivatives
lettering noun.

– origin ME: from OFr. lettre, from L. litera, littera ‘letter of the alphabet’, (pl.) ‘epistle, literature, culture’.