libel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person
  2. noun the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks
  3. verb print slanderous statements against
    • The newspaper was accused of libeling him

WordNet

Li"bel noun
Etymology
L. libellus a little book, pamphlet, libel, lampoon, dim. of liber the liber or inner bark of a tree; also (because the ancients wrote on this bark), paper, parchment, or a roll of any material used to write upon, and hence, a book or treatise: cf. F. libelle.
Definitions
  1. A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc. Obs. Chaucer.
    A libel of forsaking [divorcement]. Wyclif (Matt. v. 31).
  2. Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
  3. (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. ✍ 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.
  4. (Law) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.
  5. (Civil Law & Courts of Admiralty) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
Li"bel transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Liebeled or Libelled; present participle & verbal noun Libeling or Libelling
Definitions
  1. 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.
  2. (Law) To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.
Li"bel intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. 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.

Webster 1913