Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Letterwood \Let"ter*wood`\ (-w[oo^]d`), n. (Bot.)
   The beautiful and highly elastic wood of a tree of the genus
   {Brosimum} ({B. Aubletii}), found in Guiana; -- so called
   from black spots in it which bear some resemblance to
   hieroglyphics; also called {snakewood}, and {leopardwood}. It
   is much used for bows and for walking sticks.