(n.) A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill,
certificate, request, supplication, etc.
(n.) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
(n.) 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.
(n.) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.
(n.) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his
cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
(v. t.) To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or
ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon.
(v. t.) To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly
against a ship or goods.
(v. i.) To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with
against.
