Quotes from Ammon Shea

Except when it didn't, as in the case of names that already end in an s, such as Jones' book (a practice that is now out of style).

This almost never happens, outside of the realm of scientific terminology (which is obviously a domain populated by sadists with no regard for language).

It indicates possession for plural nouns, between the end of the plural word and the s that follows, as in children's. Except when the word ends in an s, in which case it should come at the end of the word, with no additional s added ("the books' covers").

Yepsen (n.) The amount that can be held in two hands cupped together; also, the two cupped hands themselves. A measurement that has never really caught on like the teaspoon, the yepsen also falls firmly within the category of things for which you never thought there was a word—at least, not until some interfering busybody like me came along and told you what it was. Yesterneve

The Verbalist, 1894

The original meaning of dilapidate (from the Latin dilapidare, to squander) was to allow a building to fall into a state of disrepair. In New York dilapidators are simply known as landlords. also

Among people who might be described as having at least a passing regard for the English language, there are few instances of usage that evoke a desire to mutilate more than the perceived misuse of literally.

Mediocrist (n.) A person of mediocre talents. Nobody wants to be mediocre, but someone has to be. In fact, by definition, most people are. Microphily

Or we reference Winston Churchill, who was famously reported to have written "This is the kind of tedious/arrant nonsense up with which I will not put," in response to an overweening staffer having removed a preposition from some of his writing. (However, as with many quotes that are purported to have originated with the former prime minister of Great Britain, the author was someone other than Churchill).*

No one is yet using figuratively to mean literally; the confusion, such as it is, is all in one direction.

However, there are still two places where one may find calls for adherence to this rule. The first is in Internet comments. This is unsurprising, as these frequently serve as bastions for the ill-informed and bilious of many stripes.

The OED, more so than any other dictionary, encompasses the entire history of the modern English language. By so doing it also encompasses all of English's glories and foibles, the grand concepts and whimsical conceits that make our language what it is today.