nonsuit

American  

[non-soot] / nɒnˈsut /

noun

1. a judgment given against a plaintiff who neglects to prosecute, or who fails to show a legal cause of action or to bring sufficient evidence.

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verb (used with object)

1. to subject to a nonsuit.

nonsuit British  

/ nɒnˈsuːt, -ˈsjuːt /

noun

1. an order of a judge dismissing a suit when the plaintiff fails to show he has a good cause of action or fails to produce any evidence

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verb

1. (tr) to order the dismissal of the suit of (a person)

Etymology

Origin of nonsuit

1350–1400; non- + suit; replacing Middle English nounsuyt < Anglo-French nounsute

Example Sentences

Fowler filed the initial divorce complaint before noon on February 18, but around 2:15 p.m. that same day she filed a "Notice of Voluntary Nonsuit," Us Weekly reports.

From Fox News

Fowler filed the nonsuit "without prejudice," which means the musician's wife does have the ability to file for divorce a second time.

From Fox News

“Arkansas Wins in 2020 has filed a motion for a voluntary nonsuit and will not be taking further legal action,” Taylor Riddle, a spokesman for the committee, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

From Washington Times

"I think in this case, Miss Barrington," said Withering, with a well-affected gravity, "we had better withdraw a juror, and accept a nonsuit."

From Project Gutenberg

That was made at nisi prius in answer to a motion for a nonsuit in an action brought for an infringement of a patent right.

From Project Gutenberg