n.
- rubbish left in public.
▸a collection of things lying about untidily.
- a number of young born to an animal at one time.
-
(also cat litter)
granular absorbent material lining a tray for a cat to urinate and defecate in indoors.
- straw or other plant matter used as animal bedding.
-
(also leaf litter)
decomposing leaves and other matter forming a layer on top of soil.
- historical a vehicle containing a bed or seat enclosed by curtains and carried by men or animals.
▸a framework with a couch for transporting the sick.
v.
- make untidy with litter.
▸leave (rubbish or objects) lying about untidily.
- archaic provide (an animal) with litter as bedding.
Etymology
ME (in sense 6): from OFr. litiere, from med. L. lectaria, from L. lectus ‘bed’.