latch  (lāch) 
n. A fastening, as for a door or gate, typically consisting of a bar that fits into a notch or slot and is lifted from either side by a lever or string. A spring lock, as for a door, that is opened from the outside by a key.
v.
latched, latch·ing, latch·es
v.
tr.
To close or lock with or as if with a latch.
v.
intr.
To have or be closed with a latch. To shut tightly so that the latch is engaged: a door too warped to latch.
[Middle English latche, from lacchen, to seize, from Old English læccan.] |
