ˈlɪtə n. & v. --n. 1 a refuse,
esp.
paper, discarded in an
open or
public place. b
odds and ends lying
about. c (attrib.)
for disposing of litter (litter-bin). 2 a
state of untidiness,
disorderly accumulation of papers etc. 3
the young animals
brought forth at a
birth. 4 a
vehicle containing a couch
shut in by curtains and carried on men's shoulders or by beasts of
burden. 5 a
framework with a couch for transporting the sick and wounded. 6 a
straw, rushes,
etc., as
bedding, esp. for animals. b straw and
dung in a
farmyard. --v.tr. 1
make (a place)
untidy with litter. 2
scatter untidily and leave lying about. 3
give birth to (whelps etc.). 4 (often foll. by down) a
provide (a
horse etc.) with litter as bedding. b
spread litter or straw on (a floor) or in (a stable). ølitter-lout =
LITTERBUG. øølittery adj. (in senses 1, 2 of n.). [ME f. AF litere, OF litiere f. med.L lectaria f. L lectus bed]