literary property

noun

1

a

: the property an author or those claiming under him has in the written product of his intellectual skill and labor either before or after general publication and either at common law or under statutory copyright

b

: the written product of an author or any copy thereof

2

: the property an author or those claiming under him has in his work under common law prior to copyright consisting chiefly of his right to control the use, enjoyment, and disposition of such work for profit or any purpose, this right being superseded by statutory copyright and lost by dedication of such work to the public compare copyright

Word History

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now