statute of limitations
noun Law.
a statute defining the period within which legal action may be taken.
Origin of statute of limitations
First recorded in 1760–70
Words nearby statute of limitations
statutable,
statute,
statute book,
statute law,
statute mile,
statute of limitations,
statute of westminster,
statutory,
statutory crime,
statutory declaration,
statutory law
British Dictionary definitions for statute of limitations
statute of limitations
noun
a legislative enactment prescribing the period of time within which proceedings must be instituted to enforce a right or bring an action at law
See also laches
Cultural definitions for statute of limitations
statute of limitations
Any law that places a time restriction during which a lawsuit must be brought to court or a crime must be prosecuted.