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latchkey definition

latch·key (lac̸h′kē′)

noun

a key for drawing back or unfastening the latch of a door, esp. of an outer door, from the outside

adjective

designating, of, or having to do with a child or children who receive no supervision at home after school hours, because their parents are away working

Etymology: from the door key carried by such a child

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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