Definition of: litter

(lit′ər) noun
1. The offspring borne at one time by a cat, sow, or other multiparous animal.
2. A stretcher used for conveying sick or wounded.
3. A couch carried on shafts protruding at each end, and used for the transportation of people of wealth or importance.
4. Straw, hay, or other similar material, used as bedding for horses, cattle, etc.
5. Waste materials, shreds, and fragments scattered about; a clutter; a state of disorder.
6. The upper part of a forest floor which is not in an advanced state of decomposition. See synonyms under FLOCK.
—v.t.
1. To bring forth young: said of animals.
2. To furnish, as cattle, with litter.
3. To cover or strew with or as with litter: often with up: to litter a room with toys.
4. To throw or spread about carelessly.
—v.i.
5. To give birth to a litter of young. [<OF litiere <Med. L lectaria <L lectus bed]
—lit′ter·y adjective
LITTER
Late Roman period.