latch¹ /lach/

1. A door catch lifted from the outside by a lever or string
2. A light door lock, opened from the outside by a key

To seize, take or receive

To fasten with a latch

latchˈkey or latchˈstring noun

A key or string for opening a latched door

latchkey child noun

A child who regularly returns home to an empty house

latch on to (informal)

1. To attach oneself to
2. To gain comprehension of

on the latch

Not locked, but able to be opened by a latch

latch² /lach/

Probably to moisten, but possibly to fasten (see latch¹)

1. A mire
2. A boggy water channel

• painless
• painlessly
• painlessness
• painlessnesses
• pains
• painstaker
• painstakers
• painstaking
• painstakingly
• painstakings
• paint
• paintable
• paintball
• paintballs
• paintbox
• paintboxes
• paint-bridge
• paint-bridges
• paintbrush
• paintbrushes
• painted
• painted cloth
• painted cloths
• painted cup
• painted cups