Lăd'der, n.
n. [A-S. hlædder, O. Fries. hladder, D. ladder, O. H. Ger. hleitar, leitra, leitera, N. H. Ger. leiter.]
Sense 1. A frame of wood, metal, rope, &c., consisting of two side-pieces, connected by rounds inserted at suitable distances, and thus forming steps by which persons may ascend a building, &c.
Sense 2. That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence.
Lowliness is young Ambition's ladder. Shak.
Mounting fast toward the top of the ladder ecclesiastical. Swift.
Accommodation-ladder, a wooden staircase at the gangway on a ship's side. — Ladder-work, work in the performance of which a ladder is necessary, as in painting the walls of a house, and the like. — Side-ladder, stern-ladder, a rope-ladder hanging from either the side or the stern of a vessel. Totten.