Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Defamation

Defˊa-ma′tion

,
Noun.
[OE.
diffamacioun
, F.
diffamation
. See
Defame
.]
Act of injuring another’s reputation by any slanderous communication, written or oral; the wrong of maliciously injuring the good name of another; slander; detraction; calumny; aspersion.
☞ In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander.
Burrill.

Webster 1828 Edition

Defamation

DEFAMATION

,
Noun.
The uttering of slanderous words with a view to injure anothers reputation; the malicious uttering of falsehood respecting another which tends to destroy or impair his good name, character or occupation; slander; calumny. To constitute defamation in law, the words must be false and spoken maliciously. Defamatory words written and published are called a libel.

Similar Results