What does "nonsuit" mean?
A lawsuit that is dismissed as having been brought without cause, prior to an adjudication on the merits.
Nonsuit
/ˈnɒns(j)uːt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A lawsuit that is dismissed as having been brought without cause, prior to an adjudication on the merits.
- Grammar: nonsuit is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: affidavit, allegation, bill, claim.
- Useful contrasts: lawsuit against, personal injury suit, plaint.
- Usage evidence: [A]ltho the party be indicted as vvell as appeald, yet upon the nonſuit of the plaintiff, the proceeding for the king ſhall not be upon the indictment, but upon the appeal.
How to use "nonsuit"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nonsuit" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nonsuit" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nonsuit" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A lawsuit that is dismissed as having been brought without cause, prior to an adjudication on the merits.
- 2 A neglect or failure by the plaintiff to follow up his suit; a renunciation or withdrawal of the cause by the plaintiff.
"[A]ltho the party be indicted as vvell as appeald, yet upon the nonſuit of the plaintiff, the proceeding for the king ſhall not be upon the indictment, but upon the appeal."
Verb
- 1 To dismiss (a suit or plaintiff) on the grounds of his or her lawsuit having been brought without cause, prior to an adjudication on the merits. transitive
"[W]here an appeal is brought at the ſuit of the party, and the plaintiff is nonſuit upon that appeal, yet the offender ſhall be arraigned at the king's ſuit upon ſuch appeal; […]"
Antonyms
Example
"[A]ltho the party be indicted as vvell as appeald, yet upon the nonſuit of the plaintiff, the proceeding for the king ſhall not be upon the indictment, but upon the appeal."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nonsuit"?
Common synonyms include: affidavit, allegation, bill, claim, complaint, declaration.
How do you use "nonsuit" in a sentence?
[A]ltho the party be indicted as vvell as appeald, yet upon the nonſuit of the plaintiff, the proceeding for the king ſhall not be upon the indictment, but upon the appeal.
How do you pronounce "nonsuit"?
Pronounced /ˈnɒns(j)uːt/.
Etymology
From non- + suit.