libels

Noun

libel (countable and uncountable, plural libels)

1. (countable) A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.
2. (uncountable) The act or tort of displaying such a statement publicly.
3. (countable) Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.
4. (countable) A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.
   • These provisions of law being in force, the steamer Rio Grande, owned, as was alleged, by persons in Mexico, being in the port of Mobile, in the Southern District of Alabama, certain materialmen, on the 26th of November, 1867, filed separate libels against her in the district court for the said...1873, United States Supreme Court, The Rio Grande, 86 U.S. 178,179
5. (countable) A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.
   • a libel of forsaking [divorcement]

See all 7 meanings of libel