hookswitch

• hook switch

hook +‎ switch

hookswitch (plural hookswitches)

1. The spring-loaded button on a telephone that is depressed by the action of returning the handset to the cradle, thus terminating the call.

   Synonym: switchhook

   • 2007 August 20, Douglas Martin, “Joybubbles, 58, Peter Pan of Phone Hackers, Dies”, in New York Times‎:

     At 4 or 5, he learned to dial by using the hookswitch like a telegraph key.

• switch hook, switchhook