In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
LIBELING
Verb
libeling
present participle of libel
Anagrams
• Liebling, e-billing, ill-being, illbeing
Source: Wiktionary
LIBEL
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
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
13 May 2024
AMISS
(adverb) in an improper or mistaken or unfortunate manner; “if you think him guilty you judge amiss”; “he spoke amiss”; “no one took it amiss when she spoke frankly”
Coffee Trivia
