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 ); -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

Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a dissenting opinion that he believed Congress intended to allow the laches defense when it created the modern-day patent system in the 1950s.

From Reuters • Mar. 21, 2017

While much relieved by failure of the authorities to press this charge, he feels convinced that such official laches were prompted by overpowering motives, boding more serious dangers.

From Oswald Langdon or, Pierre and Paul Lanier. A Romance of 1894-1898 by Lee, Carson Jay