Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) According to the letter; exact; not figurative or metaphorical; as, the literal meaning of a phrase. 2. (a.) Following the letter or exact words; not free. 3. (a.) Consisting of, or expressed by, letters. 4. (a.) Giving a strict or literal construction; unimaginative; matter-of fast; -- applied to persons. 5. (n.) Literal meaning.

Multi-Version Concordance Literal (2 Occurrences) John 11:13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he spoke of taking rest in sleep. (See NAS) Romans 2:29 But the true Jew is one inwardly, and true circumcision is heart-circumcision--not literal, but spiritual; and such people receive praise not from men, but from God. (WEY RSV)