[Ja.cob's ladder] n [fr. the ladder seen in a dream by Jacob in Gen 28:12] (1733) 1: any of a genus (Polemonium) of herbs of the phlox family that have pinnate leaves, an herbaceous calyx, a bell-shaped corolla with stamens with their filaments bent downward, and a several-seeded capsule; esp: a perennial (P. caeruleum) of European origin with bright blue or occas. white flowers
2: a marine ladder of rope or chain with wooden or iron rungs