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laches

(lac̸h′iz)

noun

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

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

See laches in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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:

Origin: Middle English, slackness, negligence

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman lachesse, laches

Origin: , from Old French laschesse

Origin: , from lasche, loose, remiss; see lush¹

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