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laches definition

laches (lac̸h′iz)

noun

Law failure to do the required thing at the proper time (e.g., inexcusable delay in enforcing a claim)

Etymology: ME lachesse < OFr laschesse < lasche, lax, negligent < VL *lascus, metathetic for L laxus, lax

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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