Latchstring

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Latchstring \Latch"string`\, n.
     A string for raising the latch of a door by a person outside.
     It is fastened to the latch and passed through a hole above
     it in the door.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     {To find the latchstring out}, to meet with hospitality; to
        be welcome. (Intrusion is prevented by drawing in the
        latchstring.) [Colloq. U.S.]
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  latchstring
       n : opener consisting of a string that can be passed through a
           hole in a door for raising the latch from outside