°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.
°That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence, e.g. the
corporate ladder.
verb
°To ascend a building or wall using a ladder.
°(of a knitted garment) To develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
synonyms:
stepladder, run