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).
Phrases and idioms:
litter-lout LITTERBUG.
Derivatives:
littery adj. (in senses 1, 2 of n.).
Etymology: ME f. AF litere, OF litiere f. med.L lectaria f. L lectus bed