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

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

"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 Barrington Volume II (of II) by Charles James Lever