Literary \Lit"er*a*ry\, a. [L. litterarius, literarius,fr. littera, litera, a letter: cf. F. litt['e]raire. See Letter.]

1. Of or pertaining to letters or literature; pertaining to learning or learned men; as, literary fame; a literary history; literary conversation.

He has long outlived his century, the term commonly fixed as the test of literary merit. --Johnson.

2. Versed in, or acquainted with, literature; occupied with literature as a profession; connected with literature or with men of letters; as, a literary man.

In the literary as well as fashionable world. --Mason.

Literary property.
   (a) Property which consists in written or printed compositions.
   (b) The exclusive right of publication as recognized and limited by law.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)