LIBEL

libel

(noun) the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of action (the defamation) and any relief he seeks

libel

(noun) a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming a living person

libel

(verb) print slanderous statements against; “The newspaper was accused of libeling him”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

libel (countable and uncountable, plural libels)

(countable) A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.

(uncountable) The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.

(countable) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.

(law, countable) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.

(countable) A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Synonyms

• See also slander

Usage notes

In common usage, the noun and verb is particularly used where the defamatory writing meets the legal definition of libel in a particular jurisdiction.

Verb

libel (third-person singular simple present libels, present participle (US) libeling or (UK) libelling, simple past and past participle (US) libeled or (UK) libelled)

(transitive) To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.

(legal) To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.

Synonyms

• See also defame

Anagrams

• Belli, I'll be, Ibell, Liebl

Source: Wiktionary

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Li"bel, n. Etym: [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.]

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)

Definition: 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.

4. (Law)

Definition: The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.

5. (Civil Law & Courts of Admiralty)

Definition: A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.

Li"bel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Liebeled or Libelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Libeling or Libelling.]

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)

Definition: To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.

Li"bel, v. i.

Definition: 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

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