Latch, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Latched (lăcht); p. pr. & vb.
n. Latching.] [OE. lacchen. See Latch.
n.] 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.Latch, n. [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.
4. A crossbow. [Obs.]
Wright.
Latch (lăch), v. t. [Cf. F.
lécher to lick (of German origin). Cf. Lick.]
To smear; to anoint. [Obs.] Shak.