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). litter-lout = LITTERBUG. littery adj. (in senses 1, 2 of n.).
[ ME f. AF litere, OF litiere f. med.L lectaria f. L lectus bed ]