libel

• Anything could be construed as a libel, and the verdict and sentence were foregone conclusions. —  Diary of a Soldier of Fortune
• And I REALLY don't understand how / why all the fine, upstanding people (especially doctors and hospital Board members) could look the other way while it was all going down ... or allow insult to be added to injury by the "libel" - that-wasn't lawsuit ... not-to-mention a puny / coerced settlement based on a pack of lies. —  Dr.J's HouseCalls
• He resolved to prosecute the bishops for a libel, and their trial and acquittal are among the most interesting events of an inglorious reign. —  A Modern History, From the Time of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon For the Use of Schools and Colleges
• This had gone so far that Lucius had declared as openly that he would prosecute the attorney for a libel, and Dockwrath had sent him word that he was quite welcome to do so if he pleased It is a scandalous state of things," said Sir Peregrine, speaking with much enthusiasm, and no little temper, on the subject. —  Orley Farm
• In the year 1727 he was condemned by His Majesty's judges to stand in the pillory at Charing Cross for publishing a libel, and thither doubtless, at the appointed hour, many poor authors flocked, with their pockets full of the bad eggs that should have made their breakfasts, eager to wreak vengeance upon their employer; but a printer in the pillory has advantages over others traders, and Curll had caused handbills to be struck off and distributed amongst the crowd, stating, with his usual effrontery, that he was put in the pillory for vindicating the blessed memory of her late Majesty Queen Anne. —  Obiter Dicta Second Series

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