De*falk" (?), v. t. [F. défalquer. See Defalcate.] To lop off; to abate. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
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.
De*fam"a*to*ry (?), a. Containing defamation; injurious to reputation; calumnious; slanderous; as, defamatory words; defamatory writings.
De*fame" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defamed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Defaming.] [OE. defamen, diffamen, from F. diffamer, or OF. perh. defamer, fr. L. diffamare (cf. defamatus infamous); dis- (in this word confused with de) + fama a report. See Fame.] 1. To harm or destroy the good fame or reputation of; to disgrace; especially, to speak evil of maliciously; to dishonor by slanderous reports; to calumniate; to asperse.