Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SQUIB, n. [This word probably belongs to the family of whip; denoting that which is thrown.]

1. A little pipe or hollow cylinder of paper, filled with powder or combustible matter and sent into the air, burning and bursting with a crack; cracker. Lampoons, like squibs, may make a present blaze. – Waller. The making and selling of squibs is punishable. – Blackstone.
2. A sarcastic speech or little censorious writing published; a petty lampoon.
3. A pretty fellow. [Not in use.] The squibs, in the common phrase, are called libelers. – Tatler.