Brewer's: Libel

means a little book (Latin, libellus). A lampoon, a satire, or any defamatory writings. Originally it meant a plaintiff's statement of his case, which usually “defames” the defendant.

Dost not know that old Mansfield, who writes like the Bible. Says: `The more 'tis a truth, sir, the more 'tis a libel'?

Burus.

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