n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Containing defamation; injurious to reputation; calumnious; slanderous;