latchstring

[ lach-string ]

/ ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

a string passed through a hole in a door, for raising the latch from the outside.

Origin of latchstring

First recorded in 1785–95; latch + string

As he closed it he did an unprecedented thing,he drew in the latchstring.

The Boy Patrol Around the Council Fire |Edward Sylvester Ellis
He pulled the latchstring with his left hand and pushed the door open with his foot, the rifle ready.

The Keeper |Henry Beam Piper
And the day cannot be delayed much longer now when every child shall find the latchstring out on the school door.

The Battle with the Slum |Jacob A. Riis.
Perhaps the reader has heard before this of having the latchstring out, but has not known just what the phrase meant.

Stories Of Ohio |William Dean Howells

Ye know his latchstring is always out, but Ive niver known of their being in his company.

The Boy Patrol Around the Council Fire |Edward Sylvester Ellis

latchstring

/ (ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ) /

a length of string fastened to a latch and passed through a hole in the door so that it can be opened from the other side