3. (Law) A malicious publication expressed either in print or in
writing, or by pictures, effigies, or other signs, tending to expose
another to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. Such publication is
indictable at common law.
The term, in a more extended sense, includes the publication of such
writings, pictures, and the like, as are of a blasphemous, treasonable,
seditious, or obscene character. These also are indictable at common
law.