latchet
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic, Literary, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A narrow strap or thong for fastening a shoe or sandal.
In historical contexts, a functional leather strap forming part of a shoe's lacing system. In rare figurative use, can denote a fastening or binding element more generally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively found in older literary texts, historical descriptions, or biblical references. Its usage in contemporary English is negligible except for deliberate archaism or in specific historical reenactment contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant contemporary difference. The word is equally archaic and unused in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a strong connotation of antiquity, simplicity, or biblical times.
Frequency
Virtually never encountered in modern speech or writing in either variety.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
unfasten/unloose/untie the latchet of [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"unworthy to unloose the latchet of his shoes" (biblical expression denoting great humility)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in literary analysis, historical, or theological texts discussing archaic language.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Possibly in historical costume/cobbling, but 'shoe strap' or 'lace' is preferred.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The leather latchet on the old shoe was broken.
- He bent down to tie the latchet of his sandal.
- The cobbler replaced the worn latchet with a new strip of hide.
- The speaker, in a gesture of profound deference, declared himself unworthy to unloose the latchet of the master's shoes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LATCH for your shoe, in the form of a strap. 'Latchet' sounds like a small latch.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOND IS A FASTENING (e.g., 'the latchet of obligation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- May be incorrectly associated with modern 'lace' (кружево). The correct conceptual link is 'ремёнок' or 'шнурок'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to latchet'), using it in modern contexts, mispronouncing as /ˈlætʃeɪ/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'latchet' MOST likely be found?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic word and is very rarely used in modern English except in historical or literary contexts.
Its most famous use is in the Bible (Mark 1:7, John 1:27), where John the Baptist says he is not worthy to unloose the latchet of Jesus's shoes.
It would be understood as a deliberate archaism or poetic choice, but it is not the standard modern term. 'Shoelace' or simply 'lace' is the correct contemporary word.
Yes. A latchet is a strap or thong that is tied or laced. A buckle is a separate fastener (usually metal) that secures a strap, often by means of a pin and frame.