latchstring

American  

[lach-string] / ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. a string passed through a hole in a door, for raising the latch from the outside.

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latchstring British  

/ ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. a length of string fastened to a latch and passed through a hole in the door so that it can be opened from the other side

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Etymology

Origin of latchstring

First recorded in 1785–95; latch + string

Example Sentences

Orville; 3. latchstring; Since the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, the Israelis have tried to cultivate relations with non-Arab nations in the Middle East, such as Turkey and Iran.

From Time Magazine Archive

The latchstring is on the outside, and we are all tickled to death that you pulled it.

From Time Magazine Archive

As long as they found it comfortable and convenient the latchstring was out.

From Historic Papers on the Causes of the Civil War by Potts, Eugenia Dunlap

He associates a latchstring with the opening of the door.

From The Mad Planet by Leinster, Murray

I jerked the latchstring and pushed open the door.

From A Mountain Boyhood by Comstock, Enos B. (Enos Benjamin)