Defn: To proceed against by filing a libel, particularly against a ship or goods.

LIBEL
Li"bel, v. i.

Defn: To spread defamation, written or printed; — with against.
[Obs.]
What's this but libeling against the senate Shak.
[He] libels now 'gainst each great man. Donne.

LIBELANT
Li"bel*ant, n.

Defn: One who libels; one who institutes a suit in an ecclesiastical or admiralty court. [Written also libellant.] Cranch.

LIBELER
Li"bel*er, n.

Defn: One who libels. [Written also libeller.] " Libelers of others."
Buckkminster.

LIBELIST
Li"bel*ist, n.

Defn: A libeler.

LI BELLA
Li *bel"la, n. Etym: [L., dim. of libra balance. See Level, n.]