LATCHET Latch"et, n. Etym: [OE. lachet, from an OF. dialect form of F. lacet plaited string, lace dim. of lacs. See Lace.]
Defn: The string that fastens a shoe; a shoestring.
LATCHING
Latch"ing, n. (Naut.)
Defn: A loop or eye formed on the head rope of a bonnet, by which it is attached to the foot of a sail; — called also latch and lasket. [Usually in pl.]
LATCHKEY
Latch"key`, n.
Defn: A key used to raise, or throw back, the latch of a door, esp. a night latch.
LATCHSTRING
Latch"string`, n.
Defn: A string for raising the latch of a door by a person outside. It is fastened to the latch and passed through a hole above it in the door. To find the latchstring out, to meet with hospitality; to be welcome. (Intrusion is prevented by drawing in the latchstring.) [Colloq. U.S.]
LATE Late, a. [Compar. Later, or latter (; superl. Latest.] Etym: [OE. lat slow, slack, As.læt; akin to Os. lat, D. laat late, G. lass weary, lazy, slack, Icel. latr, Sw. lat, Dan. lad, Goth. lats, and to E. let, v. See Let to permit, and cf. Alas, Lassitude.]
1. Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.