n. [ 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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

A libel of forsaking [ divorcement ]. Wyclif (Matt. v. 31). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Civil Law & Courts of Admiralty) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Libeled r 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

What's this but libeling against the senate? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ He ] libels now 'gainst each great man. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who libels; one who institutes a suit in an ecclesiastical or admiralty court. [ Written also libellant. ] Cranch. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who libels. [ Written also libeller. ] “ Libelers of others.” Buckminster. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A libeler. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Law) (a) The party against whom a libel has been filed; -- corresponding to defendant in a common law action. (b) The defendant in an action of libel. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. (Zool.) A dragon fly; -- from Libellula, the name of the typical genus. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ NL. Libellula, the name of the typical genus + -oid. ] (Zool.) Like or pertaining to the dragon flies. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Containing or involving a libel; defamatory; containing that which exposes some person to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule; as, a libelous pamphlet. [ Written also libellous. ] -- Li"bel*ous*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]