Lat. In the civil law. A little book. Libellus supplex, a petition, especially to the emperor, all petitions to whom must be in writing. Li bell urn rescribere, to mark on such petition the answer to it Jellum agere, to assist or counsel the emperor in regard to such petitions. Libellus accusatorius, an information and accusation of a crime. Libellus divortii, a writing of divorcement Libellus rerum, an inventory. Calvin. Libellus or oratio consultoria, a message by which emperors laid matters before the senate. Id.
A writing in which are contained the names of the plaintiff (actor) and defendant (reus,) the thing sought the right relied upon, and name of the tribunal before which the action is brought Calvin.
In feudal law. An instrument of alienation or conveyance, as of a fief, or a part of it. Libellus conventionis. In the civil law. The statement of a plaintiffs claim in a petition presented to the magistrate, who directed an officer to deliver it to the defendant Libellus famosus. In the civil law. A defamatory publication; a publication injuriously affecting character; a libel. Inst 4, 4, 1; Dig. 47. 10 ; Cod. 9, 36.