to the letter Definition

letter
noun

1. A conventional written or printed mark, usually part of an alphabet, used to represent a speech sound or sounds.

Thesaurus: character, symbol, sign.
2. A written or printed message normally sent by post in an envelope.

Thesaurus: note, message, communication, missive, epistle, dispatch, line.
3. The strict literal meaning of words, especially in legal documents, or how such words can be interpreted.

Example: according to the letter of the law
Form: the letter
4. Printing type.

verb

lettered, lettering
1. To write or mark letters on something.

Idiom: to the letter

Exactly; in every detail.
Example: followed the instructions to the letter

Etymology: 13c: from Latin littera letter of the alphabet.