libel

Definitions

1. 1.Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
2. 2.(Law) A malicious publication expressed either in print or in writing, or by pictures, effigies, or other signs, tending to expose another to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. Such publication is indictable at common law. Note: The term, in a more extended sense, includes the publication of such writings, pictures, and the like, as are of a blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene character. These also are indictable at common law.
3. 3.(Law) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.
4. 4.(Civil Law & Courts of Admiralty) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
5. 5.To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon. Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair. Pope.
6. 6.(Law) To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.
7. 7.To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against. [Obs.] What's this but libeling against the senate Shak. [He] libels now 'gainst each great man. Donne.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "libel" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is libel.

• What is any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire called?
• What is the crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication called?
• What is a written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks called?
• What is to defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon. Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair. Pope called?
• What is to proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods called?
• What is to spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against. [Obs.] What's this but libeling against the senate Shak. [He] libels now 'gainst each great man. Donne called?