letter telegram
Noun: A letter telegram is a specific type of telegram service that was historically offered at a lower rate than a standard telegram. Its defining characteristic was that it was not delivered immediately but was instead treated with the priority of a letter, typically for delivery on the following day, especially for international destinations.
This term refers to a discontinued telecommunications service. It is used in historical, administrative, or descriptive contexts. * The company sent the non-urgent contract details via letter telegram to save costs. * Before the internet, a letter telegram was a common way to send lengthy international messages economically.
- The term is now largely obsolete, found primarily in historical documents, literature, or discussions about the evolution of communication.
- It can be used metaphorically to describe any message that is intentionally delayed to reduce expense, though this is rare.
- Telegram (n): The general term for a message sent by telegraph and delivered in written form.
- Cablegram (n): Often used synonymously with telegram, especially for international messages.
- Night letter (n): A similar, discounted telegram service in North America for overnight delivery.
- Deferred telegram
- LT (common abbreviation in telegraphy)
This term has only one specific meaning related to a historical class of telegraphic service. It should not be confused with a "letter" (a written message sent via postal service) or a standard "telegram" (which implied faster delivery). The compound term "letter telegram" itself defines the service.
- a cheaper form of telegram that is sent abroad for delivery the next day