night latch

American  

noun

1. a door lock operated from the inside by a knob and from the outside by a key.

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night latch British  

noun

1. a door lock that is operated by means of a knob on the inside and a key on the outside

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Etymology

Origin of night latch

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Bramuglia hastily called the principals into his suite at the plush Hotel George V, locked the door, and turned the night latch.

From Time Magazine Archive

The boy put Sounder’s tin under the porch, closed the door, pushed the night latch, sat down behind the stove, and began to eat his supper.

From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong

The doctor has failed to put on the night latch.

From The Story of a Doctor's Telephone?Told by His Wife by Firebaugh, Ellen M.

His steady hand with the key made short work of the night latch, and without waiting to call a servant he helped Mr. Endicott up to his room and to his bed.

From Lo, Michael! by Hill, Grace Livingston

It would be bad enough if he had to rap, in case the night latch was drawn….

From The Indian Lily and Other Stories by Lewisohn, Ludwig