latch

v. t. [ Cf. F. lécher to lick (of German origin). Cf. Lick. ] To smear; to anoint. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As. læccan. ] 1. That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. [ Obs. ] Rom. of R. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) A latching. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A crossbow. [ Obs. ] Wright. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. secured by means of a latch against opening.
Syn. -- fastened. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. [ OE. lachet, from an OF. dialect form of F. lacet plaited string, lace dim. of lacs. See Lace. ] The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Naut.) A loop or eye formed on the head rope of a bonnet, by which it is attached to the foot of a sail; -- called also latch and lasket. [ Usually in pl. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A key used to raise, or throw back, the latch of a door, esp. a night latch. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A child who frequently spends part of the day at home without adult supervision, especially a school child who returns home before the parent(s) return from work. Called also door-key child. [ PJC ]