laches

[ lach-iz ]

/ ˈlætʃ ɪz /

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noun (used with a singular verb)Law.

failure to do something at the proper time, especially such delay as will bar a party from bringing a legal proceeding.

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Origin of laches

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

lacewood, lacework, Lacey, La Chaise, lachanophobia, laches, Lachesis, Lachine, Lachish, Lachlan, La Chorrera

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

law negligence or unreasonable delay in pursuing a legal remedy

Word Origin for laches

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012