Definition of "laches" [lach•es]

• Negligence or undue delay in asserting a legal right or privilege. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And finally, the en banc Sixth Circuit rejected Secretary Brunner's arguments that the GOP had been guilty of "laches" - an equitable doctrine which basically says that if you've been tardy in asserting your rights, you may have forfeited them."
• "Though there’s a public interest in avoiding false advertising, that can’t swallow the rule that laches is available in Lanham Act cases."
• "Legally known as laches, things that are ignored on purpose."