letters patent UK /ˌlɛtəz ˈpeɪtənt/US /ˌlɛtɚz ˈpætənt/ noun[plural only]1 •A type of legal document in the form of an open letter issued by an authority to direct that some action be taken; to grant a monopoly, right, status, or title to a person or organization; to record a contract.
