Pam"phlet (?), n. [OE. pamflet,
pamfilet, paunflet, possibly fr. OF. palme the
palm of the hand, F. paume (see Palm) + OF.
fueillet a leaf, dim. of fueil, m., F. feuille,
f., fr. L. folium, pl. folia, thus meaning, a leaf to be
held in the hand; or perh. through old French, fr. L. Pamphila,
a female historian of the first century who wrote many epitomes;
prob., however, fr. OF. Pamflette, the Old French name given to
Pamphilus, a poem in Latin verse of the 12th century, pamphlets
being named from the popularity of this poem.] 1.
A writing; a book. Testament of love.
Sir Thomas More in his pamphlet of Richard the
Third.
Ascham.
2. A small book consisting of a few sheets of
printed paper, stitched together, often with a paper cover, but not
bound; a short essay or written discussion, usually on a subject of
current interest.
Pam"phlet (?), v. i. To write a
pamphlet or pamphlets. [R.] Howell.
