laches

American  

[lach-iz] / ˈlætʃ ɪz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

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

---

laches British  

/ ˈlætʃɪz /

noun

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

---

Etymology

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 ); -ice

Example Sentences

MacLean invoked the so-called laches defense which applies to situations where there’s an excessive or unreasonable delay in seeking legal recourse.

From Washington Times • Nov. 15, 2020

Under a doctrine known as laches, litigants cannot wait to bring a claim until the last minute, then ambush their opponents with a surprise lawsuit.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2020

Mr. Gabriel said a legal tenet known as laches might apply.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2018

The so-called laches defense allowed judges to dismiss cases in which the plaintiff was determined to have strategically delayed their claims.

From Reuters • Mar. 21, 2017

The king should act in such a way that his foe may not succeed in detecting his laches.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan