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laches

noun
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la·​ches | \ ˈla-chəz How to pronounce laches (audio) , ˈlā- How to pronounce laches (audio) \
plural laches

Definition of laches

: negligence in the observance of duty or opportunity specifically : undue delay in asserting a legal right or privilege

Examples of laches in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nevertheless, the Pennsylvania supreme court rejected the Republican lawsuit based on the doctrine of laches. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, 8 Dec. 2020 Therefore, quite apart from laches, five of the seven justices ruled against the campaign on the merits. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, 17 Dec. 2020 The court’s ruling on the issue of laches was unanimous. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, 30 Nov. 2020 Any dispute as to whether any statute of limitations, estoppel, waiver, laches, or other doctrine bars the arbitration of any Claim shall be decided by arbitration in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. — Star Tribune, 29 Oct. 2020 Ceglia’s attempt to get half of Facebook — a company now estimated to be worth somewhere between $55 and $85 billion — also faces the difficult problem of the doctrine of laches. — Ryan Singel, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'laches.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of laches

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for laches

Middle English lachesse, from Anglo-French laschesce, from lasche lax, ultimately from Latin laxare to loosen — more at lease

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The first known use of laches was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near laches

lachenalia

laches

Lachine

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Cite this Entry

“Laches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laches. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for laches

laches

noun
la·​ches | \ ˈla-chəz, ˈlā-, -shəz How to pronounce laches (audio) \
plural laches

Legal Definition of laches

1 : undue delay in asserting a right or privilege — compare statute of limitations
2a : a doctrine permitting dismissal of a suit because a plaintiff's unreasonable delay in asserting a right or privilege has been detrimental to the defendant's ability to make a defense (as by resulting in the unavailability of witnesses or evidence) a suit barred by laches
b : an affirmative defense based on this doctrine

History and Etymology for laches

Anglo-French lachesce laschesce negligence, from Old French lasche lax, ultimately from Latin laxare to loosen, from laxus slack

More from Merriam-Webster on laches

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laches

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