nonsuit Meaning, Definition & Usage

(Law) A neglect or failure by the plaintiff to follow up his suit; a stopping of the suit; a renunciation or withdrawal of the cause by the plaintiff, either because he is satisfied that he can not support it, or upon the judge's expressing his opinion. A compulsory nonsuit is a nonsuit ordered by the court on the ground that the plaintiff on his own showing has not made out his case.

imperfect & past participle Nonsuited; present participle & verbal noun Nonsuiting

(Law) To determine, adjudge, or record (a plaintiff) as having dropped his suit, upon his withdrawal or failure to follow it up. "When two are joined in a writ, and one is nonsuited." Z. Swift.