Latch, n.
Etymology: [OE. lacche, fr. lacchen to seize, As. læccan.]
1. That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare. [Obs.] Rom. of R.
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.
3. (Naut.)
A latching.
1 more senses
4. A crossbow. [Obs.] Wright.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Latch, v. t.
To smear; to anoint. [Obs.] Shak.
Latch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Latched; p. pr. & vb. n. Latching.]
1. To catch so as to hold. [Obs.] Those that remained threw darts at our men, and latching our darts, sent them again at us. Golding.
2. To catch or fasten by means of a latch. The door was only latched. Locke.