pamphlet

A large subset of pamphlets, often handed out on street corners, present a short arguments for a religious, social, or political view. These are usually viewed with distaste by most of the population.

An even larger subset is plain, straight out advertising.

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.

Howell.

© Webster 1913.