In 1769, Frances Brooke's novel The History of Emily Montague was used in the earliest Oxford English Dictionary citation for the figurative sense of literally; the sentence from the novel used was, "He is a fortunate man to be introduced to such a party of fine women at his arrival; it is literally to feed among the lilies." This citation was also used in the OED's 2011 revision.
in 1769 frances brooke's novel the history of emily montague was used in the earliest oxford english dictionary citation for the figurative sense of literally; the sentence from the novel used was "he is a fortunate man to be introduced to such a party of fine women at his arrival; it is literally to feed among the lilies" this citation was also used in the oed's 2011 revision