Def`a*ma"tion (?), 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.

⇒ In modern usage, written defamation bears the title of libel, and oral defamation that of slander.

Burrill.

© Webster 1913.