I. ˈlach intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English lachen, from Old English læccan; perhaps akin to Greek lambanein to take, seize
Date: 13th century
1. : to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms — used with on or onto
2. : to associate oneself intimately and often artfully — used with on or onto
latch ed onto a rich widow
II. noun
Date: 13th century
: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:
a. : a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch
b. : a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole ; also : night latch
III. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
: to make fast with or as if with a latch