枢木くるるぎ

noun

sliding wooden bolt

A wooden bolt that slides horizontally to lock a door or window, often found in traditional Japanese architecture. The reading くるるぎ is a specialized term; compare the more common 猿 (さる) used for a similar latch.

See also: 猿

• 古ふるい蔵くらの戸とには、枢木くるるぎが取とり付つけられていた。

  A sliding wooden bolt was attached to the door of the old storehouse.