leaflet (n.)

1787 as a term in botany; 1867 as a term in printing and publication; diminutive of leaf (n.) with -let.

A newspaperman asked the British authorities for a copy of the leaflets distributed in Germany by British airplanes. According to the London Daily Herald, his request was refused with the following answer: "Copies are not given out, as they might fall into enemy hands." [The Living Age magazine, Sept. 1939-Feb. 1940]