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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonsuit

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Her plea for nonsuit granted, she was surrounded by crowds of spectators who congratulated her, smacked her hands.

From Time Magazine Archive

A nonsuit was never heard of in his time.

From The International Monthly, Volume 2, No. 4, March, 1851 by Various

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