Crossword Genius

So slur I spread about scoundrel is libellous? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scurrilous

'libellous?' is the definition.

'so slur i spread about scoundrel' is the wordplay.
'spread' is an anagram indicator.
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'scoundrel' becomes 'cur' (I've seen this before).
'so'+'slur'+'i'='sosluri'
'sosluri' with letters rearranged gives 'srilous'.
'srilous' placed around 'cur' is 'SCURRILOUS'.

'is' is the link.

(Other definitions for scurrilous that I've seen before include "Grossly insulting" , "Unjustifiably defamatory" , "Humorously insulting" , "Obscenely slanderous" , "Scandalously damaging" .)

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