See Also: libel(medicine)
Libel(money)
libel(1)(dictionary)
libel(2)(dictionary)
Libel(law)
libel 1, noun(dictionary)
libel 2, verb(dictionary)
LIBEL OF ACCUSATION(law)
MUTATION OF LIBEL, practice(law)

libel(2) (iou)



libel verb. Infl. -ll-, *-l-. LME.
[from the noun: cf. medieval Latin libellare in sense 2.]
verb intrans. Institute a suit against or against a person. LME-L16.
verb trans.
a. Ecclesiastical & Scots Law. Specify in a libel; institute a suit against (a person) by means of a libel. L15.
b. Admiralty Law. Bring suit against (a vessel or cargo or its owner). E19.
verb intrans. Make libellous accusations or statements; spread defamation. Foll. by against, on. L16-M17.
verb trans. Defame by the circulation of libellous statements; accuse falsely and maliciously; spec. (Law), publish a libel against. E17.
Pope But what so pure, which envious tongues will spare? Some wicked wits have libell'd all the fair.