[li.bel] n [ME, written declaration, fr. MF, fr. L libellus, dim. of liber book] (14c) 1 a: a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought b archaic: a handbill esp. attacking or defaming someone
2. a: a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1): a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2): defamation of a person by written or representational means (3): the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4): the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel
[2]libel vb -beled or -belled ; -bel.ing or -bel.ling vi (1570): to make libelous statements ~ vt: to make or publish a libel against -- li.bel.er n -- li.bel.ist n