letter

One of the arbitrary marks or characters constituting the alphabet, and used in written language as the representatives of sounds or articulations of the human organs of speech. A dispatch or epistle; a written or printed message; a communication in writing from one person to another at a distance. In the imperial law of Rome, "letter" or "epistle" was the name of the answer returned by the emperor to a question of law submitted to him by the magistrates. A communication inclosed, sealed, stamped, carried and delivered by private or U.S. Postal service. Hyney v. U. S., C.C.A.Mich., 44 F.2d 134, 136; Wolpa v. U. S., C.C.A.Neb., 86 F.2d 35, 39.

A commission, patent, or written instrument containing or attesting the grant of some power, authority, or right.

The word appears in this generic sense in many compound phrases known to commercial law and jurisprudence; e.g., letter of attorney, letter missive, letter of credit, letters patent.

The plural is frequently used. Metaphorically, the verbal expression; the strict literal meaning. The letter of a statute, as distinguished from its spirit, means the strict and exact force of the language employed, as distinguished from the general purpose and policy of the law.

As to letters of administration

- letters of advice

- letters of attorney

- letters of credit

- letters of recommendation, see those titles.

As to letters patent, see patent