Meaning

• A written or pictorial false statement which unjustly seeks to damage someone's reputation.

• The act or crime of displaying such a statement publicly.

• Any defamatory writing; a lampoon; a satire.

• A written declaration or statement by the plaintiff of their cause of action, and of the relief they seek.

• A brief writing of any kind, especially a declaration, bill, certificate, request, supplication, etc.

Meaning

• To defame someone, especially in a manner that meets the legal definition of libel.

  "He libelled her when he published that."

• To proceed against (a ship, goods, etc.) by filing a libel.