Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LATCHET, n.1 Also latchard (Cai.).
1. A small loop of string, thread, wire, etc. (Sh., ne. and em.Sc., Slk., Uls. 1960), e.g. a boot-strap, or for going over a button to fasten a garment (Cai. 1902 E.D.D.) or a shoe, or to fix a footless stocking by passing round the second toe (Cai. 1907 County of Cai. (Horne) 79), or for tying at intervals on a bricklayer's line to keep it taut and horizontal, a tingle; a lead, copper or zinc clip or strip for fixing a welt in plumbing (Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 942). Now obs. or dial. in Eng.Ayr. 1721 Ayr Presb. Reg. MS. (6 Sept.):
The Latchets by which the glasse is fixed to the rods are of drawn Lead [in a church window].Sc. 1773 Boswell Tour (1909) 8:
Dr Adam Smith … told us he was glad to know that Milton wore latchets in his shoes instead of buckles.Sc. 1827 Scott Two Drovers ii.:
I would not kiss any man's dirty latchets.Sc. 1859 J. Brown Rab (1862) 27:
He put them on, breaking one of the leather latchets.Sc. 1885 E. J. Guthrie Old Sc. Customs 210:
Particular attention was paid to having the bridegroom's left shoe without buckle or latchet, in order to prevent witches from casting their unlucky spells over him and his bride.Sc. 1913 N.E.D. s.v. Tingle, n.1, 3.:
The tingles (Sc. latchets) are supported on bricks laid at intervals along the course, and kept in place by laying another brick upon each.
†2. A gate-latch.Ork. 1783 B. H. Hossack Kirkwall (1900) 163:
A Ribbed Door or Gate upon the passage next the Street, with a Latchet or Sneck to Open and fasten it at pleasure.
