LATCH STRING

{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./ Syn.: WELCOME MAT(2).