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.

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laches British  

/ ˈlætʃɪz /

noun

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

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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 ); see -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

He was charitable in the extreme toward others for any laches in principle; always ready to find an excuse for the short-comings of others.

From The Memories of Fifty Years Containing Brief Biographical Notices of Distinguished Americans, and Anecdotes of Remarkable Men; Interspersed with Scenes and Incidents Occurring during a Long Life of Observation Chiefly Spent in the Southwest by Sparks, William Henry