subs. (old).—A thief; also a loiterer.
1631. CHETTLE, Hoffman, iii., 2. Jer. Well, phisitian, attend in my chamber, heere, till Stilt and I returne; and if I pepper him not, say I am not worthy to be cald a duke, but a DRAWLATCH.
1706. E. COLES, English Dictionary. DRAW LATCHES, Roberdsmen, Night thieves.
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v.
[Date uncertain]. Nursery Rhyme.
| Cross-patch, DRAW THE LATCH, | |
| Sit by the fire and spin. |
