GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Ladder (lădˈdẽr), n. [OE. laddre, AS. hlǣder, hlǣdder; akin to OFries. hladder, OHG. leitara, G. leiter, and from the root of E. lean, v.  √40.  See Lean, v. i., and cf. Climax.]
   1. A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps.
   
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   Some the engines play,
   
   And some, more bold, mount ladders to the fire. Dryden.
   
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   2. That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence; as, “to climb the corporate ladder”.
   
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   Lowliness is young ambition's ladder. Shak.
   
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   Fish ladder. See under Fish. -- Ladder beetle (Zool.), an American leaf beetle (Chrysomela scalaris). The elytra are silvery white, striped and spotted with green; the under wings are rose-colored. It feeds upon the linden tree. -- Ladder handle, an iron rail at the side of a vertical fixed ladder, to grasp with the hand in climbing. -- Ladder shell (Zool.), a spiral marine shell of the genus Scalaria. See Scalaria.
   
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