latch

noun7

1. •
   A fastening for a door that has a bar that fits into a notch or slot, and is lifted by a lever or string from either side.

   • The cleverly constructed latch which Clayton had made for the door had sprung as Kerchak passed out; nor could the apes find means of ingress through the heavily barred windows. — 1912
2. •
   A breastfeeding baby's connection to the breast.
3. •
   A lightweight lock to protect internal structures from being modified by multiple concurrent accesses.
4. •
   An electronic circuit that is like a flip-flop, except that it is level triggered instead of edge triggered.
5. •
   (no longer used) That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.

   • Love will none other birde catch, Though he set either nette or latch — 1542
6. •
   (no longer used) A latching.
7. •
   (no longer used) A crossbow.

verb5

1. •
   To close or lock as if with a latch.
2. •
   To catch; lay hold of.

   • Where hearing should not latch them. — 1606
3. •
   To connect to the breast.
4. •
   To use a latch (kind of lightweight lock).
5. •
   (no longer used) To smear; to anoint.

   • But hast thou yet latch'd the Athenian's eyes With the love-juice , as I did bid thee do? — 1595

noun1

1. •
   Acronym of lower anchors and tethers for children.