A string passed through a hole in a door so that the latch may be raised from the outside. Hence fig. in U.S. colloquial phrases.
1861. Geo. Eliot, Silas M., iv. Intending to shake the door and pull the latch-string up and down, not doubting that the door was fastened.
1887. E. Eggleston, Graysons, xxiv. (1888), 254. Zeke impatiently rattled the door of the cabin, the latch-string of which had been drawn in to lock it.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 8 Jan., 6/2. We have … hung our latch-string out to you and yours.
1889. Lowell, in Times, 5 March, 9/2. Her [the United States’] free latchstring never was drawn in Against the meanest child of Adam’s kin.
1893. Advance (Chicago), 16 March, 209. ‘Our latch string is out,’ has become a classic expression of cordial hospitality.
1895. Daily News, 19 April, 4/1. The latch-string of English society hangs outside the door for an American.
