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]