LIBELS

Noun

libels

plural of libel

Verb

libels

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of libel

Anagrams

• Isbell, Liebls

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



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Word of the Day

24 December 2024

INTUITIVELY

(adverb) in an intuitive manner; “inventors seem to have chosen intuitively a combination of explosive and aggressive sounds as warning signals to be used on automobiles”


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Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

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