night key

noun

1. a key for a night latch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of night key¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Didn't me and the fellers have to cave in your door with a night-key wrench—sa-a-ay?

From Project Gutenberg

All my lodgers were in but one, a young gentleman who has a night-key.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Stanford opened it with a night-key, and they entered, and went upstairs, still in silence.

From Project Gutenberg

Theodore applied his night-key, and with cat-like tread they moved across the hall, and the library door swung noiselessly open.

From Project Gutenberg

The door is opened before he can turn the bolt with his night-key, and the whitest possible little hand presses his.

From Project Gutenberg