latchet

English

Etymology 1

From Middle English lachet, from Old French lachet, variant of lacet, diminutive of laz (“lace”).

Noun

latchet (plural latchets)

1. A small lever action crossbow with the cocking lever built into the top of the stock and a top mounted trigger.
2. (obsolete) A thong or cord, especially one used to fasten a shoe.
   • 1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt […] (Tyndale Bible), [Worms, Germany: Peter Schöffer], →OCLC, Mark:

     a stronger than I commeth after me, whos shue latchett I am not worthy to stoupe doune and unlose.

Etymology 2

From latch +‎ -et.

Noun

latchet (plural latchets)

1. A small latch, as for a gate.
   • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Anticipation”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 31:

     A little wicket opened into a half-wilderness, half-shrubbery, whose narrow pathway was chequered by the soft light that found its way through the densely-grown plantation. As she turned to secure the latchet, the voice of music came upon her ear.

Anagrams

• chattel