So wild and ungovernable a poet can not be translated literally.
Dryden.
Lit"er*al*ness, n. The quality or state of being literal; literal
import.
Lit"er*a*ry (lt"r**r), a. [L. litterarius, literarius, fr. littera,
litera, a letter: cf. F. littéraire. See Letter.]
1. Of or pertaining to letters or literature; pertaining to learning or
learned men; as, literary fame; a literary history; literary
conversation.
He has long outlived his century, the term commonly fixed as the
test of literary merit.
Johnson.
2. Versed in, or acquainted with, literature; occupied with literature
as a profession; connected with literature or with men of letters; as,
a literary man.
In the literary as well as fashionable world.
Mason.
Literary property. (a) Property which consists in written or printed
compositions. (b) The exclusive right of publication as recognized and
limited by law.
Lit"er*ate (-t), a. [L. litteratus, literatus. See Letter.] Instructed
in learning, science, or literature; learned; lettered.
The literate now chose their emperor, as the military chose theirs.
Landor.
Lit"er*ate, n. 1. One educated, but not having taken a university
degree; especially, such a person who is prepared to take holy orders.
[Eng.]