n. 1. A string that opens an old-fashioned door by lifting a small bar. The early settlers kept the latch string outside the door when they were working around the house, but at night they pulled it to the inside. 2. informal A warm welcome; a friendly greeting. Used in such phrases as "the latch string is out." Mary has her latch siring out for everyone who comes.
Synonym: WELCOME MAT 2 .