\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.