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

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

Thus addressed by Sakra, the celestial weapon Thunder, that subjugator of hostile towns, began from that day to continually watch for the laches of the prince.

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