laches
lach·esLaw failure to do the required thing at the proper time (e.g., inexcusable delay in enforcing a claim)
Origin of laches
Middle English lachesse ; from Old French laschesse ; from lasche, lax, negligent ; from Vulgar Latin an unverified form lascus, metathetic for Classical Latin laxus, laxlaches
noun
A legal doctrine that bars a claimant from receiving relief where the claimant's delay in pursuing the claim has operated to the prejudice of the opposing party.
Origin of laches
Middle English, slackness, negligence, from Anglo-Norman lachesse, laches, from Old French laschesse, from lasche, loose, remiss; see lush1.laches
laches - Legal Definition
n
Equitable doctrine that precludes or limits relief to
one who delays in acting or bringing a claim.
