laches

[ lach-iz ]

noun(used with a singular verb)Law.
  1. failure to do something at the proper time, especially such delay as will bar a party from bringing a legal proceeding.

Origin of laches

1
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English lachesse, from Anglo-French, variant of Middle French laschesse, derivative of Old French lasche “slack” (from Germanic ); see -ice

Words Nearby laches

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How to use laches in a sentence

  • In the laches (p. 188) there is a passing reference in which a similar view is expressed.

    The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro
  • Plato treats the claim of Ionian to rank among the Hellenic modes as somewhat doubtful (laches, p. 188).

    The Modes of Ancient Greek Music | David Binning Monro
  • No doubt the furniture and other property would remain, and might be held to be liable for the present owner's laches.

    Mr. Scarborough's Family | Anthony Trollope
  • Some points of resemblance, and some points of difference, appear in the laches when compared with the Charmides and Lysis.

    Laches | Plato
  • The characters of Nicias and laches are indicated by their opinions on the exhibition of the man fighting in heavy armour.

    Laches | Plato

British Dictionary definitions for laches

laches

/ (ˈlætʃɪz) /


noun
  1. law negligence or unreasonable delay in pursuing a legal remedy

Origin of laches

1
C14 lachesse, via Old French lasche slack, from Latin laxus lax

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