(n.) A brief writing of any kind, esp. a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
(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.) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of his cause of action, and of the relief he seeks.
(n.) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
(n.) The crime of issuing a malicious defamatory publication.
(v. i.) To spread defamation, written or printed; -- with against.
(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.