LATCHET (ἱμάς, Luke 3:16, Mark 1:7, John 1:27).—The leathern strap attached to the sandal, which, passing several times across the foot, was secured round the ankle, thus fixing the sandal securely. See artt. Sandal and Shoe. The most menial service which can be exacted from an Oriental is to remove or carry his master’s shoes. Hence, too, the greatest honour a host can show to his guest is to stoop down and remove his shoes. John the Baptist counted himself unworthy to perform this service for Christ.
J. Soutar.