libel: Meaning and Definition of

li•bel

1. defamation by written or printed words, pictures, or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures.
2. the act or crime of publishing it.
3. a formal written declaration or statement, as one containing the allegations of a plaintiff or the grounds of a charge.
2. anything that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents.

1. to publish a libel against.
2. to misrepresent damagingly.
3. to institute suit against by a libel, as in an admiralty court.