latchstring

American  

[lach-string] / ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. a string passed through a hole in a door, for raising the latch from the outside.

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latchstring British  

/ ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. a length of string fastened to a latch and passed through a hole in the door so that it can be opened from the other side

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Etymology

Origin of latchstring

First recorded in 1785–95; latch + string

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

latchstring

Orville; 3. latchstring; Since the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, the Israelis have tried to cultivate relations with non-Arab nations in the Middle East, such as Turkey and Iran.

From Time Magazine Archive

The latchstring is on the outside, and we are all tickled to death that you pulled it.

From Time Magazine Archive

Perhaps the reader has heard before this of having the latchstring out, but has not known just what the phrase meant.

From Stories Of Ohio by William Dean Howells

He associates a latchstring with the opening of the door.

From The Mad Planet by Murray Leinster

Now callers upon the Hamlins, in general, just pulled the latchstring and came in.

From The Duke of Stockbridge by Edward Bellamy

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