Obs. In 5 lachednesse, latchednes, -nesse. [f. *lached, pa. pple. of LACHE v. + -NESS. Cf. lacheness, LASHNESS.] Laxness or slackness (of mind); remissness.
1484. Caxton, Royall Bk., d vj. After [forgetfulness] cometh latchednes, that maketh a man latchous and appayreth fro day to day so moche that he is al recreant and defayllyng. Ibid., Ordre of Chyualry, 72. Latchednesse and cowardyse. Ibid. (1491), Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), I. xxxvi. 36 aa. Feere of dethe folowyth; Desyre of shrewdnes: Lachednesse of vertue; and wekenesse of courage.
