In the law of evidence. A communication made to a counsel, solicitor, or attorney, in professional confidence, and which he is not permitted to divulge; otherwise called a “confidential communication.” 1 Starkie, Ev. 185. In tlie law of libel and slander. A defamatory statement made to another in pursuance of a duty,. political, judicial, social, or personal, so that an action for libel or slander will not lie, though the statement be false, unless in the last two cases actual malice be proved in addition. Bacon v. Railroad Co., 60 Mich. 166, 33 N. W. 181. COMMUNINGS. In Scotch law. The negotiations preliminary to the entering into a contract