A type of door latch that is opened or closed by pulling a cord or handle from either side of the door.
Combining 'draw' (pull) and 'latch' (a fastening device), this compound describes a latch mechanism operated by drawing. This was a practical medieval and early modern door-fastening solution that didn't require keys.
The drawlatch represents early home security: it let you control door access from inside without a key, which meant servants couldn't easily let themselves out—a design feature that reveals social hierarchy built literally into medieval architecture.
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