libel

Meanings

Noun

• A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
• The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.
• Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
• A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
• A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Verb

• To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.
• To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.

Origin

• From Old French libelle, from Latin libellus.