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.

---

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

---

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

From Fox News • Feb. 23, 2022

“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 • Aug. 8, 2020

Nonetheless, the judge ruled that it was a nonsuit.

From Time Magazine Archive

The judge resisted the temptation to call the case Goofy but declared it a "nonsuit."

From Time Magazine Archive

The Supreme Court of that State having decided it was not negotiable, the plaintiff became nonsuit, and brought his action in the Circuit Court of the United States.

From Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John F.A. Sandford December Term, 1856. by Howard, Benjamin C.