(often disapproving ) the exact words of a law or rule rather than its general meaning :
They insist on sticking to the letter of the law.
(often disapproving ) the exact words of a law or rule rather than its general meaning :
They insist on sticking to the letter of the law.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005