night latch

a door lock operated from the inside by a knob and from the outside by a key.

Also called night bolt.

Origin of night latch

First recorded in 1850–55

He reached his home out of breath; but then his key to the night-latch would not fit, just because he was excited and in a hurry.

Make or Break |Oliver Optic
The door closed softly behind the retreating figure of the attorney-general, and Kent released the spring of the night-latch.

The Grafters |Francis Lynde
When we were all inside Fleming Stone closed the door, the night-latch of which, of course, snapped itself.

A Chain of Evidence |Carolyn Wells
This was necessary, for our front-door (or main-hatchway) had no night-latch, but was fastened by means of a bolt.

Rudder Grange |Frank R. Stockton

A night-latch and a caretaker who came round once a day was enough for any sensible person.

The Carpet from Bagdad |Harold MacGrath

night latch

a door lock that is operated by means of a knob on the inside and a key on the outside