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.
© Webster 1913.
Pam"phlet (?), v. i.
To write a pamphlet or pamphlets.
[R.]
Howell.
© Webster 1913.