latchstring

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a string attached to a door latch and passed through a hole so the latch can be lifted from outside

   The visitor pulled the latchstring and pushed open the cabin door.

2. 2
   noun

   figurative, especially in the latchstring is out: a sign that visitors are welcome

   Their friends knew that the latchstring was always out.

A compound of latch + string. On simple doors the string passed outside through a hole and raised the latch when pulled. Leaving it outside signaled welcome, while drawing it in barred entry and produced the hospitality metaphor.

Topics