Latch: A lock or catch that fits into a mortise as a door is closed and has a tongue that is sloping or bevelled. The tongue is bevelled to ensure that the slope of the tongue pulls the catch back into the door as it makes contact with the doorframe. The catch slides through the frame due to the bevel until it reaches the mortise, where a spring forces the catch firmly into position. By removing the tongue from the mortise and turning the knob that is attached to the tongue, the catch releases and allows the door to be opened.
« Back to Glossary IndexLatch
« Back to Glossary Index
