In Romans 2:27, 29 means the outward form. The "oldness of the letter" (7:6) is a phrase which denotes the old way of literal outward obedience to the law as a system of mere external rules of conduct. In 2 Corinthians 3:6, "the letter" means the Mosaic law as a written law. (see WRITING.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) One who lets or permits; one who lets anything for hire.

2. (n.) One who retards or hinders.

3. (n.) A mark or character used as the representative of a sound, or of an articulation of the human organs of speech; a first element of written language.

4. (n.) A written or printed communication; a message expressed in intelligible characters on something adapted to conveyance, as paper, parchment, etc.; an epistle.

5. (n.) A writing; an inscription.

6. (n.) Verbal expression; literal statement or meaning; exact signification or requirement.

7. (n.) A single type; type, collectively; a style of type.

8. (n.) Learning; erudition; as, a man of letters.

9. (n.) A letter; an epistle.

10. (v. t.) To impress with letters; to mark with letters or words; as, a book gilt and lettered.