dead-latch

'Yes, I have got a dead-latch key somewhere about.'

The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 4, October, 1863 Devoted to Literature and National Policy Various

It caught her dress in closing, but she was unaware of that for a moment, as she stood still on the step, remembering with a sudden pang, that was more than half regret, that the deed was done beyond recall, for the dead-latch was down, and she had no key with which to effect an entrance; she must go on now, whether she would or not.

Elsie's New Relations Martha Finley 1868

"No; the wind blew it to, and it has become fastened with the dead-latch."

The Iron Rule 1847

She was alone in the street, half-dressed and with her head uncovered, and the door, which closed with a dead-latch, shut against her.

The Iron Rule 1847

His hand was in his pocket, his dead-latch key between his fingers, and his foot upon the marble sill of his door.

The Two Wives 1847

His hand was in his pocket, in search of his dead-latch key, when he suddenly retreated from the door, muttering to himself --

The Two Wives 1847