Category:Latch

Latch, v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. lécher to lick (of German origin). Cf. Lick.]

Defn: To smear; to anoint. [Obs.] Shak.

latch Latch, n. Etym: [OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As. læccan.]

1. That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. [Obs.] Rom. of R.

2. A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.

3. (Naut.)

Defn: A latching.

4. A crossbow. [Obs.] Wright.

latch Latch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Latched; p. pr. & vb. n. Latching.] Etym: [OE.lacchen. See Latch. n.]

1. To catch so as to hold. [Obs.] Those that remained threw darts at our men, and latching our darts, sent them again at us. Golding.

2. To catch or fasten by means of a latch. The door was only latched. Locke.