nonsuit

noun

non·​suit ˌnän-ˈsüt How to pronounce nonsuit (audio)
: a judgment against a plaintiff for failure to prosecute a case or inability to establish a prima facie case
nonsuit transitive verb

Examples of nonsuit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The defense then filed a 13-page motion for nonsuit, claiming that Greer had failed to present any eyewitness, law enforcement, scientific or documentary evidence linking Shacknai to the death. Pauline Repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, 20 Mar. 2018 Victoria Beckham made a slouchy nonsuit, and Fendi gave it an urban line, but either way the effect is both besuited and rebooted. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 13 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonsuit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French nounsuyte, from noun- non- + siute pursuit, legal suit — more at suit entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonsuit was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near nonsuit

Cite this Entry

“Nonsuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsuit. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

nonsuit

noun
non·​suit ˌnän-ˈsüt How to pronounce nonsuit (audio)
1
: a judgment entered against a plaintiff for failure to prosecute a case or inability to establish a prima facie case : dismissal
2
: voluntary dismissal at dismissal
nonsuit verb
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