n. A writing of any kind; a written declaration or certificate.n. In admiralty law, Scots law, and English ecclesiastical law, a writing or document instituting a suit and containing the plaintiff's allegations.n. A lampoon.n. A defamatory writing made public; a malicious and injurious publication, expressed in printing or writing, or by signs or pictures, tending either to injure the memory of one dead or the reputation of one alive, and to expose him to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.n. The crime of publishing a libel: as, he was guilty of libel.n. In general, defamation; a defamatory remark or act; malicious misrepresentation in conversation or otherwise; anything intended or which tends to bring a person or thing into disrepute.n. Synonyms See asperse and lampoon.In admiralty law, Scots law, and English ecclesiastical law, to serve a libel upon; institute suit against; present a formal charge against for trial, as against a clergyman for conduct unbecoming his office, or against a ship or goods for a violation of the laws of trade or revenue. See libel, n., 2.To defame or expose to public hatred or contempt by a malicious and injurious publication, as a writing, picture, or the like; lampoon.Synonyms Defame, Calumniate, etc. See asperse.To spread defamation, written or printed: with against.n. In law, a petition for a decree in divorce.