night latch

noun

1. a door lock operated from the inside by a knob and from the outside by a key.

night latch

noun

1. a door lock that is operated by means of a knob on the inside and a key on the outside

Word History and Origins

Origin of night latch¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The door closed softly behind the retreating figure of the attorney-general, and Kent released the spring of the night-latch.

From Project Gutenberg

The rattle of a night-latch made itself heard in the outer door.

From Project Gutenberg

When McCloskey had come at a push of the call-button, Lidgerwood snapped the night-latch on the corridor door.

From Project Gutenberg

This was necessary, for our front-door (or main-hatchway) had no night-latch, but was fastened by means of a bolt.

From Project Gutenberg

A night-latch and a caretaker who came round once a day was enough for any sensible person.

From Project Gutenberg