springlock

[ spring-lok ]

noun

1. a lock that fastens automatically by a spring.

Word History and Origins

Origin of springlock¹

First recorded in 1475–85; spring + lock ¹

Example Sentences

After we had waited a few minutes, J——- came racing down to the gate, laughing heartily, and said that Bob and he had been in the house, but had come out, shutting the door behind them; and as the door closed with a springlock, they could not get in again.

From Project Gutenberg

After we had waited a few minutes, J——- came racing down to the gate, laughing heartily, and said that Bob and he had been in the house, but had come out, shutting the door behind them; and as the door closed with a springlock, they could not get in again.

From Project Gutenberg

As Madame de Carigliano pressed the secret springlock of the door she stopped, looking at Augustine with an inimitable gleam of shrewdness and grace.

From Project Gutenberg