Li·bel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Libeled or Libelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Libeling or Libelling.]
1. To defame, or expose to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule, by a writing, picture, sign, etc.; to lampoon.
Some wicked wits have libeled all the fair. --Pope.
2. Law To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.
libel
n 1: a tort consisting of false and malicious publication printed
for the purpose of defaming a living person
2: the written statement of a plaintiff explaining the cause of
action (the defammation) and any relief he seeks
v : print slanderous statements against; "The newspaper was
accused of libeling him"
[also: libelling, libelled]