E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Squib (A).
A political joke, printed and circulated at election times against a candidate, with intent of bringing him into ridicule, and influencing votes.
1
“Parodies, lampoons, rightly named squibs, fire and brimstone, ending in smoke, with a villainous smell of saltpetre.”—Dean Hole: Rose-garden and Fulpit.
