Laches

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlætʃɪz/ UK
• Homophones: latches

Origin

From French lâches ("remissness, slackness").

Full definition of laches

Noun

1. (legal) Legal doctrine that a person who waits too long to bring a claim alleging a wrong shall not be permitted to seek an equitable remedy because the delay prejudiced the moving party. Sleeping on one's rights.
• MacaulayIt ill became him to take advantage of such a laches with the eagerness of a shrewd attorney.