Definition of libel

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< Libby, Willard Frank

libelant >

li·bel    (lbl) KEY  

NOUN:

1. 1. A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation.
   2. The act of presenting such material to the public.
2. The written claims presented by a plaintiff in an action at admiralty law or to an ecclesiastical court.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
li·beled or li·belled , li·bel·ing or li·bel·ling , li·bels

To publish a libel about (a person). See Synonyms at malign.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, litigant's written complaint, from Old French, from Latin libellus, diminutive of liber, book

OTHER FORMS:
libel·er or libel·ist (Noun)

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